Essential functionalities of the neonatal electronic health record

Despite the increased use of electronic health records (EHRs), many pediatricians use EHRs that do not contain pediatric functionalities, and no recent attempts to define neonatal functionalities have been made to date. This article describes the fundamental functionalities required in an EHR to provide safe and effective care to neonates, including neonatal data requirements and appropriate display of neonatal data; the need for the mother-infant dyad in the EHR; neonatology-specific scores; and special considerations for medication ordering, nutrition, newborn screening, transitions of care, and documentation. Many EHRs currently lack the functionalities required to provide safe and effective care to neonates. Neonatologists must lobby for better tools to ensure quality and safety for their patients.