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EMR: Examining My Reluctance

My name is Paul and I'm afraid of electronic medical records. I'm not afraid of computers, of using them at home or in the office. My personal affairs are edging toward paperless, and so is my office, except for the medical records. I know I should get a grip and make a decision, but at the last minute I freeze with fear.

The computer revolution spawned many sectors of progress, and few have affected the world as much as mass data storage. My children scan papers from school, store the digital file and shred the original. I watch them from my kitchen table where I sit with the many pounds of paper that make up my own homework.

The gosh-darn good thing about paper records is that they make my life easy, not the lives of the gentle people on my staff, but my own. When I grab a chart as I enter a room, I can glance down at it while walking, saving time. From where I made notes on the page I can tell what sort of problem the patient has. The number of words and the size of my scribbles are a code, telling me valuable information. By the time I walk the eight feet to the patient I am done reviewing. I know why he's here. I extend my hand in greeting and get to work.

I am afraid that the cold, impersonal text of a computerized record won't give me that sudden insight. I might have to stop and read for a while to find out what the record is telling me. That won't help my efficiency.

When I'm done with the patient I write my notes in a script and in a place where they mean something to me. It takes seconds, and the record is complete and ready for my next review.

I am afraid that if I go to a computer, using mouse, keyboard, bar scanner or any other entry device it will take me longer, never mind making sketches. Every minute I'm working on records I'm not working with patients.

Doing What Needs to Be Done

In this issue we look again at electronic medical records. I know I need them to connect my various locations and to yank me out of the 19th century and into the 21st. So, dry up my sweating palms and be still my palpitating heart! Be not afraid as I study what I know needs to be done.