Human-centred adoption: measuring real impact in emergency care

Digital transformation in healthcare is often measured in numbers, but behind every system change lies the experience of professionals who make care possible. This study from Niguarda Hospital shows how a thoughtful approach to EMR design can improve performance and strengthen confidence on the front line.

Implementing a new Electronic Medical Record in an emergency department is never a simple upgrade. It changes how teams work, how information moves, and how decisions are made under pressure. At Niguarda Hospital in Milan, one of Italy’s busiest emergency departments, this transformation was studied in depth through a collaboration between Dedalus Research Lab, clinicians, and hospital management.

The study focused on one essential question: how can technology improve emergency workflows without disrupting the rhythm of care?

Researchers observed clinical teams before and after the introduction of a new EMR system developed by Dedalus. They combined quantitative time metrics with qualitative staff feedback to understand both the numbers and the human experience behind them.

The results were clear. Documentation times dropped significantly, with tasks such as discharge summaries, order requests, and certificate management completed in far less time than before. The system also reduced delays in accessing laboratory and radiology results, helping teams make faster decisions and improving overall patient flow.

Equally important was how professionals felt about the change. Physicians and nurses described the system as reliable and intuitive. They noticed fewer data entry errors, easier access to patient information, and smoother communication across teams. Many also mentioned feeling less pressure and a greater sense of control over their workload.

What made this project distinctive was the way it was implemented. Dedalus teams worked side by side with hospital staff throughout the process, providing training and real-time support during the go-live period. This close collaboration helped ensure rapid adaptation and visible results within three weeks.

Although some challenges were encountered, particularly during the learning curve and in therapy management workflows, the overall impact was clearly positive. The study shows that when technology is built around real clinical needs, adoption becomes natural, and benefits quickly extend to both staff and patients.

The Niguarda experience is a reminder that digital transformation in healthcare is not only about speed or efficiency. It is about building systems that support professionals in the moments that matter most.