Evaluation of electronic medical record implementation and patient satisfaction

Abstract

Computers and electronic medical records are widely used by clinicians in ambulatory settings. Indeed, both the United States federal government and the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom have recently announced large initiatives to increase the use of computers as part of routine ambulatory care. Unfortunately, there is little information on how physicians' use of computers in the outpatient exam room affects physician-patient communication. This study evaluates the impact of exam-room computers on communication between clinicians and patients.