Report Validates Provider/Patient Interaction with Computers in the Exam

Having a Provider use a computer in the room during a patient visit does add a level of complexity to the actual visit itself. However, according to a new report from the American Medical Association, the actual patient/provider interaction and communication is not affected for the most part.

Fears of negative effects of using an Electronic Health Record while in the room with a patient have not materialized. This report notes. “Technical improvements in EHRs that focus required computer tasks on activities that meaningfully influence patient outcomes, or that streamline data input and reduce the time needed to complete common tasks in clinical work and decrease the potential for distraction, will help minimize the possibility for disruption.”

Based in large part on findings in 14 previously published studies of the introduction of EHRs into the exam room, an AMA committee developed the report hoping to extinguish the fears. The authors’ of the report found that physicians’ interacting with patients influences how complementary or distracting the EHR can be. Providers skilled in collecting data during patient visits, and recording it on paper charts, before there were EHRs; were better able to integrate use of the computer into the visit.

Also discovered in the study is that those providers who displayed discontent with the computer while in the room with the patient, could easily influence patients’ perceptions of using an EHR.  Those patients who understood the importance of recording the data, in their patient record, for quality of care, and less medical mishaps; were more accepting to the use of computers being used during the visit/exam.

You can view the study here:  Click Here

Five communication behaviors learned at Kaiser Permanente with the Interregional Clinical-Patient Communication Leaders that eased integration of a computer into the exam room:

1. Let the patient look on – move the computer screen so the patient can see it, invite the patient to view information, ask the patient to verify information as it is entered

2. Eye contact – greet the patient, maintain eye contact

3. Value the computer as a tool – acknowledge the computer, let the patient know how it improves care

4. Explain what you are doing – inform the patient about actions and decisions, tell the patient what you are doing, such as ordering lab tests

5. Log off and say you are doing so – tell the patient you are logging off to safeguard his or her clinical information

Ventres W, Kooienga S, Marlin R. EHRs in the exam room: tips on patient-centered care. Available at http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2006/0300/p45/ Accessed Feb 12, 2013.

Utilizing these five behaviors helped to establish a positive experience during and after the visit.
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