The Electronic Medical Record: Upside Beats Downside
Dr. Mok’s Notes - January 2006
I remember my first tentative steps into the world of computers. Many years ago, when I served as the referee coordinator for my local soccer association, it seemed the scheduling of all the eager parent volunteers might benefit from more systematic record keeping, communication and last-minute methods for finding substitutes. So, I helped the process to evolve and introduced the first-ever computer-generated referee spread-sheets. The result for the soccer association that year was an improved level of play, because the refs began to learn the game and show up for their assignments.
In 1998 I experienced similar technology challenges when my medical group decided to go electronic. We struggled for a number of months with passwords, templates, security and downtime, not to mention slow keyboarding skills. Surprisingly, the biggest fear was entering data into the computers in exam rooms, right where patients and families could see. The biggest questions on our minds were 1) Can the clinician maintain eye contact and friendly rapport while tapping on the keyboard? And 2) Will people be concerned about their privacy if they know that access to their medical records is just a click away?
Today, I can honestly say that I could never imagine going back to paper records! The efficiency and improved quality of care and service makes any downside to the initial technology challenges seem like only a minor inconvenience. And, I believe our patients and families appreciate the technology enhancements as well. For example, parents are tickled to see their child’s computerized growth charts each time they visit. Parents are relieved when we tell them their child’s electronic medical records automatically summarize any needed immunizations, taking into account the constantly changing series of these essential preventive interventions. Additionally, well-child visit templates remind clinicians of important age-specific development and guidance topics to discuss with parents. Most importantly, lab, imaging and drug orders and results are always immediately accessible and readable, resulting in dramatically improved patient safety.
The Children's Hospital is taking a major step forward in 2006, as we will soon be one of the first children’s hospitals in the country to have a fully integrated electronic medical record. This milestone will impact the pediatric and adolescent treatment provided by The Children's Hospital throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Referring physicians, patients, specialists and nurses will be impacted by this operational shift. The way in which we communicate with each other will continue to evolve as we work towards the goal of providing readable real-time information available to all individuals involved in patient care. What we need from you is an open mind and a willingness to travel the electronic medical record superhighway with us. Again, from my own experience I can honestly say the benefits will outweigh the growing pains.
If you have any questions or concerns or want to see the Epic system in action, I encourage you to come by my office and look over my shoulder at any time. With the help of the electronic medical records we have the opportunity to continue our community and region-wide commitment to the best pediatric care in the country. Here’s to enjoying the ride!
- Stefan Mokrohisky, MD
