Use your EHR to open lines of communication between patients and providers

You’ve heard the complaints before: Electronic health record (EHR) systems make it harder for patients and providers to communicate. Patients feel like their providers aren’t paying attention to them and are focusing on a computer screen, while providers suffer under the increased administrative burden and spend less time on patient care.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Your EHR can be a way to improve communication between patients and their providers – as long as it’s used the right way.

When an EHR is integrated fully into the visit and treated as another tool for treatment, patients are less likely to view it as a distraction.

EHR and patient care

Research from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine reveals patients don’t mind having EHRs involved in their interactions with providers, as long as the provider is transparent about what information is being entered into the system.

When a sensitive or painful topic comes up, don’t look at the screen. Make eye contact with patients, and let them know you’re listening and here for them.