Understanding the Psyche of EMR Users - A Step in the Right Direction
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June 11, 2010 12:00 PM
I was recently listening to a medical colleague speak about his experiences related to EMR adoption and use. He made a very interesting point. He explained his role as an internist as one of continuously looking for problems.
When presented with a clinically challenging diagnosis, it is the role of the physician to be thorough and identify everything wrong with the patient, no matter how minute the problem. It is this attention to detail that allows one to make difficult diagnoses.
This very characteristic is problematic for physician users of EMR solutions. Physicians are trained to identify what is wrong, not praise what is right. As a result, show any EMR to a physician and they will always be able to point out features and functions that are not quite right for that physician's practice. The EMR is too slow, there are too many mouse-clicks, the workflow is wrong, the templates are missing key information, the system does not really support the way that 'I' work. These are all commonly heard complaints.
By nature of our training, physicians are perfectionists and when it comes to clinical management of patients, there should be no compromises. These are hard boots for any EMR to fill.
The other challenge for EMRs is that they are still early in development. Certain capabilities may be streamlined, but many require years of work and optimization in order to meet the needs of the majority of users. This need for optimization and improvement never stops.
The question that we should be asking is whether the EMRs provide features and functions in order to meet the majority of needs of physicians as users? In other words, is the EMR good enough? Rather than focus on everything that is wrong about an EMR, if physicians are able to select systems that are matched as closely as possible to their needs, is that enough? Without a doubt, I would say yes to this question.
There is no doubt that EMRs vary with respect to their speed, functionality, applicability to specialty needs and according to a myriad of features and functions. There is not one that is perfect. However, there are many that are good enough to significantly improve the function of medical clinics, initially getting the internal house in order and as more advanced capabilities become commonplace such as E-Prescribing and information exchange, adding these capabilities to a more smoothly functioning practice.
Pilots describe a 'glide path' as the final path followed by an aircraft as one is preparing to land. Choosing an EMR is like being on a glide path. The airstrip may be far ahead, however it is important to ensure that the system is good enough to ensure a safe landing.
Originally posted on Canadian EMR
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