In last week’s post, I defined humane software and asked for feedback. As a reminder, the definition was: an ongoing endeavor that looks beyond the simple goals of the system at any other results and seeks to expand benefits and reduce harms.

One reader wrote in with some profound thoughts on what humane software is. He said that humane software is empathetic and takes into account the ...

We had a great meeting today with a group of doctors and nurses who are using our scheduling system. This was the first time we had met with them since they started using it, and you won’t believe me when I tell you all of the nice things they had to say. But I am going to tell you two things because they relate to good software overall.

1. One of the doctors turned to me towards the end ...

The workload for physicians has compounded in the last decade with EHR documentation requirements. These requirements and EHR interfaces have contributed to higher instances of stress and burnout as well as increased waste for the entire healthcare system. The added burden is reducing bedside time that correlates with patients' quality of care and in some cases contributes to increased ...

What is "joy in work"? Is it showing up to a weekend overnight ER shift jubilantly singing Lionel Ritchie's "All Night Long" as you burst into the hospital? Not really. A career in healthcare is hard stressful work. Joy in work is a purpose that caregivers feel that they need to give the gift of healing and relief to those who are ill or suffering. It is a purpose to help those who are ...