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The mini electronic medical record: a low-cost, low-risk partial solution

M L Chambliss1, T Rasco, R D Clark

  • 1Family Medicine Residency Program, Moses Cone Health System, Greensboro Area Health Education Center, 1125 N. Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401-1007, USA. Lee.Chambliss@mosescone.com.

The Journal of Family Practice
|December 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A miniature electronic medical record (EMR) system, developed using Microsoft Access, offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution for clinics. This mini EMR integrates essential patient data and reminders with minimal disruption, serving as a practical interim step toward full EMR adoption.

Area of Science:

  • Health Informatics
  • Clinical Information Systems
  • Medical Practice Management

Background:

  • Full commercial Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) present significant challenges, including high costs, operational disruption, and inadequate vendor support.
  • The need for accessible and manageable electronic health record solutions in clinical settings is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and implement a cost-effective, adaptable, and user-friendly partial Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, termed a 'mini EMR'.
  • To assess the feasibility and impact of a mini EMR as a transitional tool towards full EMR adoption.

Main Methods:

  • A partial EMR system (mini EMR) was created using Microsoft Access 97.
  • The mini EMR functions as an electronic front sheet, recording International Classification of Diseases--9th revision (ICD-9) codes, chronic medications, allergies, and preventive procedure reminders.
  • Implementation focused on minimal disruption to existing clinical workflows.

Main Results:

  • The developed mini EMR proved to be inexpensive, adaptable, and easy to maintain.
  • The system was well-accepted by clinical staff and caused minimal interruption to clinic activities.
  • It effectively captured key patient data and provided essential procedural reminders.

Conclusions:

  • A mini EMR offers a practical and beneficial solution for practices hesitant or unable to adopt full commercial EMR systems immediately.
  • This approach can serve as an effective bridge, facilitating a smoother transition to more comprehensive EMRs as the market matures.
  • The mini EMR demonstrates the value of incremental adoption of electronic health record functionalities.

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