February 20, 2006
EMR Implementation Idea: Doctor’s Egos
Written by: John
Disclaimer: I understand that Doctors aren’t the only ones with egos and there are many doctors without egos. In fact, I think tech people are probably even more egotistical. The title is meant to be catchy not judgemental. The information below would be aptly applied to almost anyone, but I happen to be talking about EMR and so it is written with reference to Doctors.
When someone decides to implement an EMR in their office it is very important to decide whether a doctor should entered data into an EMR in the exam room or outside the exam room. This could involve wireless tablets(or laptops) or possibly just a really good memory(not my reccommendation). Many of the reasons to do one or the other is listed in a previous post about Pros and Cons of Wireless vs. Wired with an EMR.
One thing that I failed to mention and deserves it’s very own post is in regards to having a brand new EMR and computers in the exam rooms(or tablets). When we started the EMR I could see that my doctors were utterly afraid to take a computer into the exam room. The EMR was new to them and they were scared that they would go into the exam room and look like an idiot in front of their patients since they didn’t know how to use the computer. The reality is that it really does take some time to learn your way around the screens. Most people would be understanding of this, but it isn’t just learning an EMR. Doctors were afraid to do any typing because they were very insecure in their ability to type. Most of their typing is similar to my wife’s hunt and peck method. While effective for my wife it could certainly hamper that Doctor Patient relationship of trust(not to mention a Doctor’s ego).
Now that the Doctors I work with are familiar with the EMR software most of them are less concerned with this issue. Put the emphasis on most. Just another beautiful piece of the EMR Experience.
Moral of the story: Be careful with doctors that are unfamiliar with computers and a new EMR program having a computer in the exam room.
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2 responses to "EMR Implementation Idea: Doctor’s Egos"
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Why should one be “careful” with doctors who arent good weith compyters? How does that change medical knowledge or quality of care? So maybe the visit is longer. Who cares? Typical opinion from non doctors who dont know what the hell they’re talking about.
When I mean “careful”, I mean you can’t just throw a new computer system into the mix. You have to be careful that you teach computer skills to those doctors who aren’t familiar with computers.
I never said it changed medical knowledge or quality of care. That’s ludicrous. It does change how you implement an EMR. That’s why I commented on the subject. Also, in most cases the doctor and the patient both care about a longer visit.
Maybe you need to read my post again.