Storing and interpreting genomic information in widely deployed electronic health record systems

Electronic health record systems are in widespread use but currently have very limited genomic capabilities. Electronic health record systems are a logical place for patient genomic information to be stored and used for decision support and improvement of patient care. Genomic data and their automated interpretation are very challenging for electronic health record software development because they are substantially different than other kinds of electronic health record data and decision support. Those differences, the resulting challenges, and possible solutions are reviewed in this article.