Electronic Medical Systems

The use of EMRs is now widespread. The adoption of electronic medical records has changed the practice of clinical care and requires training of residents in effective use, while many faculty are still struggling to optimize theirs. The EMR allows the development of new note formats but also raises pitfalls of copy forwarding and note bloat. The EMR can be a useful tool or a distraction during patient-physician interaction, and best practices are evolving around exam room usage. The EMR also serves as a means of communication between the team and work flows around lab results, and patient communication must be established. Finally, the EMR can enhance population health and be a tool for panel management. This chapter focuses on teaching and evaluating resident practice in these skills.