| Recently, when discussing EMR with a colleague, I | | | | then, although a strong competitor in the overall |
| was asked about customization of different | | | | market. |
| electronic medical records systems. Some of the | | | | When customizing, the consequence to consider is |
| systems available today highlight ease of use, or | | | | the need to apply more time and effort to |
| perhaps that templates aren't required. This more | | | | system modifications. Many systems are ready |
| modular approach could be sufficient within some | | | | for basic set-up out of the box; however, the |
| special practices, but overall this solution seeks | | | | true potential of these systems resides in their |
| simplicity at the expense of ability. Sure, it would | | | | ability to modify overall operations to the individual |
| be great to have patient records in electronic | | | | needs of the physicians and practice. To move |
| format, but it may not be any easier to derive | | | | the basic EMR system into an enhanced work |
| valuable meaning from the information, or use it | | | | flow tool at the practice, some modifications are |
| practically. | | | | necessary. The best way to do this, we have |
| The field of ophthalmology requires a robust EMR | | | | found, is through the use of mind-mapping |
| system able to document both SOAP-notes and | | | | software. |
| high resolution drawings and images. Several years | | | | Mind-mapping software allows members of a |
| ago we talked with an IT firm developing an | | | | group to 'think out loud' in the visual sense. |
| ophthalmology EMR system; we ended up | | | | Participants can actually see the workflow |
| working with them in developing a beta test site, | | | | diagram, from the entering of patient info, to the |
| thinking that if the system would work in | | | | selection of an open examination room, to billing |
| ophthalmology it could also function within other | | | | and check-out. By examining the overall flow of |
| specialties. Unfortunately, the system wasn't quite | | | | the examination process, we have been able to |
| ready for prime-time then, and as a result we | | | | modify the electronic medical records to better |
| became immersed in growing amounts of basic | | | | fulfill our needs. This process has helped up find |
| programming work. Unfortunately, our previous | | | | places where workflow can be improved, |
| EPM vendor didn't have another appropriate | | | | streamlining the process and creating a more |
| product available for the field of ophthalmology | | | | efficient system at the practice. |