Consultation of Medical Narratives in the Electronic Medical Record

1999 ◽  
Vol 38 (04/05) ◽  
pp. 289-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Tange

AbstractThis article presents an overview of a research project concerning the consultation of medical narratives in the electronic medical record (EMR). It describes an analysis of user needs, the design and implementation of a prototype EMR system, and the evaluation of the ease of consultation of medical narratives when using this system. In a questionnaire survey, 85 hospital physicians judged the quality of their paper-based medical record with respect to data entry, information retrieval and some other aspects. Participants were more positive about the paper medical record than the literature suggests. They wished to maintain the flexibility of data entry but indicated the need to improve the retrieval of information. A prototype EMR system was developed to facilitate the consultation of medical narratives. These parts were divided into labeled segments that could be arranged source-oriented and problem-oriented. This system was used to evaluate the ease of information retrieval of 24 internists and 12 residents at a teaching hospital when using free-text medical narratives divided at different levels of detail. They solved, without time pressure, some predefined problems concerning three voluminous, inpatient case records. The participants were randomly allocated to a sequence that was balanced by patient case and learning effect. The division of medical narratives affected speed, but not completeness of information retrieval. Progress notes divided into problem-related segments could be consulted 22% faster than when undivided. Medical history and physical examination divided into segments at organ-system level could be consulted 13% faster than when divided into separate questions and observations. These differences were statistically significant. The fastest divisions were also appreciated as the best combination of easy searching and best insight in the patient case. The results of our evaluation study suggest a trade-off between searching and reading: too much detailed segments will delay the consultation of medical narratives. Validation of the results in daily practice is recommended.

1996 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colum Gorman ◽  
James Looker ◽  
Tom Fisk ◽  
William Oelke ◽  
David Erickson ◽  
...  

Gorman C, Looker J, Fisk T, Oelke W, Erickson D, Smith S, Zimmerman B. A clinically useful diabetes electronic medical record. Lessons from the past; pointers toward the future. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:31–42. ISSN 0804–4643 We have analysed the deficiencies of paper medical records in facilitating the care of patients with diabetes and have developed an electronic medical record that corrects some of them. The diabetes electronic medical record (DEMR) is designed to facilitate the work of a busy diabetes clinic. Design principles include heavy reliance on graphic displays of laboratory and clinical data, consistent color coding and aggregation of data needed to facilitate the different types of clinical encounter (initial consultation, continuing care visit, insulin adjustment visit, dietitian encounter, nurse educator encounter, obstetric patient, transplant patient, visits for problems unrelated to diabetes). Data input is by autoflow from the institutional laboratories, by desk attendants or on-line by all users. Careful attention has been paid to making data entry a point and click process wherever possible. Opportunity for free text comment is provided on every screen. On completion of the encounter a narrative text summary of the visit is generated by the computer and is annotated by the care giver. Currently there are about 7800 patients in the system. Remaining challenges include the adaptation of the system to accommodate the occasional user, development of portable laptop derivatives that remain compatible with the parent system and improvements in the screen structure and graphic display formats. Colum Gorman, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Rochester. MN. USA


ACI Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 04 (02) ◽  
pp. e114-e118
Author(s):  
Joanna Lawrence ◽  
Sharman Tan Tanny ◽  
Victoria Heaton ◽  
Lauren Andrew

Abstract Objectives Given the importance of onboarding education in ensuring the safety and efficiency of medical users in the electronic medical record (EMR), we re-designed our EMR curriculum to incorporate adult learning principles, informed and delivered by peers. We aimed to evaluate the impact of these changes based on their satisfaction with the training. Methods A single site pre- and post-observational study measured satisfaction scores (four questions) from junior doctors attending EMR onboarding education in 2018 (pre-implementation) compared with 2019 (post-implementation). An additional four questions were asked in the post-implementation survey. All questions employed a Likert scale (1–5) with an opportunity for free-text. Raw data were used to calculate averages, standard deviations and the student t-test was used to compare the two cohorts where applicable. Results There were a total of 98 respondents in 2018 (pre-implementation) and 119 in 2019 (post-implementation). Satisfaction increased from 3.8/5 to 4.5/5 (p < 0.0001) following implementation of a peer-delivered curriculum in line with adult learning practices. The highest-rated factors were being taught by other doctors (4.9/5) and doctors having the appropriate knowledge to deliver training (4.9/5). Ninety-two percent of junior doctors were motivated to engage in further EMR education and 90% felt classroom support was adequate. Conclusion EMR onboarding education for medical users is a critical ingredient to organizational safety and efficiency. An improvement in satisfaction ratings by junior doctors was demonstrated after significant re-design of the curriculum was informed and delivered by peers, in line with adult learning principles.


Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Crismely A Perdomo ◽  
Vepuka E Kauari ◽  
Elizabeth Suarez ◽  
Olajide Williams ◽  
Joshua Stillman ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose The literature demonstrates how utilizing evidence-based, standardized stroke care can improve patient outcomes; however, the contribution of electronic medical record (EMR) systems may also impact outcomes by ensuring utilization and compliance with established stroke performance measures, facilitating and improving documentation requirements, and standardizing approach to care. In 2008, documentation in patients’ medical records was done in combination of paper and a template free EMR. Originally, the EMR was used for order entry, then transitioned to full electronic documentation in 2009. At that time we implemented our stroke templates and performance measures based on regulatory standards. We hypothesized that the stroke template implementation would help us achieve performance measure criteria above state benchmarks as set out by the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). Methods Implementation was phased in [over 18 months], initially using a template that only included neurological assessment and free text fields for stroke measures. By July 2010, existing templates were modified and additional stroke templates were implemented to meet new regulatory requirements and meaningful use criteria. Retrospective data review was conducted for performance comparison between 2008 -- one year prior to EMR/template implementation -- and 2010. In Quarter 1 of 2011 EMR was also implemented in the Emergency Department (ED). Data was reviewed for compliance with stroke measures. Results Documentation compliance substantially improved between 2008 and Quarter 1 2011: Compliance for these measures has been maintained ≥ 85% since November 2010, ≥ 90% Q1 2011 Conclusions The EMR implementation of stroke templates and performance measures can produce substantial improvement in performance measure compliance. Future steps will include automated documentation alerts to retrieve information and real time discovery of missing documentation for concurrent quality review and improvement


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e186-e193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Albuquerque ◽  
Kellie Rodgers ◽  
Ann Spangler ◽  
Asal Rahimi ◽  
DuWayne Willett

Purpose: The on-treatment visit (OTV) for radiation oncology is essential for patient management. Radiation toxicities recorded during the OTV may be inconsistent because of the use of free text and the lack of treatment site–specific templates. We developed a radiation oncology toxicity recording instrument (ROTOX) in a health system electronic medical record (EMR). Our aims were to assess improvement in documentation of toxicities and to develop clinic toxicity benchmarks. Methods: A ROTOX that was based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0) with flow-sheet functionality was developed in the EMR. Improvement in documentation was assessed at various time intervals. High-grade toxicities (ie, grade ≥ 3 by CTCAE) by site were audited to develop benchmarks and to track nursing and physician actions taken in response to these. Results: A random sample of OTV notes from each clinic physician before ROTOX implementation was reviewed and assigned a numerical document quality score (DQS) that was based on completeness and comprehensiveness of toxicity grading. The mean DQS improved from an initial level of 41% to 99% (of the maximum possible DQS) when resampled at 6 months post-ROTOX. This high-level DQS was maintained 3 years after ROTOX implementation at 96% of the maximum. For months 7 to 9 after implementation (during a 3-month period), toxicity grading was recorded in 4,443 OTVs for 698 unique patients; 107 episodes of high-grade toxicity were identified during this period, and toxicity-specific intervention was documented in 95%. Conclusion: An EMR-based ROTOX enables consistent recording of treatment toxicity. In a uniform sample of patients, local population toxicity benchmarks can be developed, and clinic response can be tracked.


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