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Electronic Medical Records and Doctor-Patient Communication

The advent in modern healthcare technologies such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have allowed EMRs […]

The advent in modern healthcare technologies such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have allowed EMRs to come in place of traditional paper records, while promoting patient care and care quality.

However, with every transition in a technology, it is imperative to consider unprecedented effects related to the usage of EMRs, for example, anything other than Electronic Medical Records being used by doctors for patients can be misleading.

Patients can also be hesitant in the usage of Electronic Medical Records since because of the divergence from traditional doctor-patient relationship which included care at a more personal or human setting. Patients thus, can also be nervous about giving out their medical information for fear of the confidentiality risks associated with EMRs and other technologies used in healthcare.

For doctors, this can be overwhelming because they are generally not tech-savvy and not used to using technology in their daily workflows. Even with these concerns, research has suggested that these do not have an effect on the overall satisfaction of patients, but in fact, patients have been found to be more receptive to technologies such as Electronic Medical Records, hence enhancing their overall experience and engagement with their doctors, increasing personal satisfaction.

Interactions between patients and doctors can be determined through the level of communication taking place between the two entities and the overall goals accomplished. Effective communication between doctors and patients determine if the right message was shared between them.  Did the patient communicate his concerns and explain his version of illness? Did the doctor identify and communicate the diagnosis to the patient in a clear manner? These are questions that make up the fundamental base for a patient-doctor visit.

In essence, the overall patient experience can be enhanced through an effective communication cycle between the doctor and his patients. With communication that clearly conveys the proper message to the other party, any doubts about Electronic Medical Records can be put aside and in fact, the usage of EMRs can be used to perpetuate doctor-patient interaction.


Frank Quinn

The writer is a leading Health IT analyst contributing regularly on some of the most pressing topics like Electronic Health Records, Practice Management, eRx, Patient Portal, Billing Services, Compliance and Privacy and Security.

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