Who should enter the data into the EHR (Getting Started resource)

We've just uploaded a new Getting Started resource where Mark Anderson, AC Group, Inc. and Robert Gleeman, our resident reporter, discuss "Who should enter the data into the EHR?"

You can read my more detailed notes on the interview and watch the episode here.

The discussion touches on a number of approaches to data-entry. In essence Mark Anderson suggests that the Doctor cannot enter all the data -- pass as much as possible to Nurse or MA and even get the patient to enter data either though web-kiosk applications or OMR bubble-sheet.

They touch on the use of Tablets - these are (normally) MS-Windows XP Tablet PC Edition with pen-hand-writing recognition - no keyboard (and incidentally excellent Microsoft-embeded voice recognition as well).

(The Medical Quack mentioned in passing that) A well known "Texan" and I have recently bought TabletKiosk pen-based Windows tablets, so we're a few weeks into learning how to use the device.

I do think the choice of device has to be real specific; the right device for the type of use.

I bought an EO from TabletKiosk posted about here, and have been using this to do jobs like WiFi setup for my daughter, booking a Hertz rental, managing SMS messages on a N95 and the obvious Outlook sync with my Exchange Server. In other words a mix of applications using mainly point-click and some on-screen-keyboard work and hand-writing recognition. No problems whatsoever -- this really is pin-point accurate for completing check-boxes and ticks. Provided your hand-writing is better than the average Doctor reasonably crisp, within a few minutes you're really able to write a letter with few corrections necessary.

But I put this in-front of my Finance Accountant (bean-counter, 63, old family friend) and he's reaching for his reading glasses.

If you're planning on data-capture into your EHR by the patient, I suggest:

• You need to pre-popluate as much of the existing patient record as possible (if that exists).
• Use simple check boxes down a list of questions with large-fonts and good contrast. Don't put all the questions on one page.
  
• You need to select a full size US-Letter size tablet such as the Sahara or similar from other manufacturers.
• Buy the small EO for impressing your neighbors kids and if your really into gadgets.
  

So, enough of my diversions, see what you think by viewing this Getting Started resource here.

Nick