Electronic medical records in a sub-specialty practice: one asthma center's experience

There are numerous known benefits associated with the use of an electronic medical record (EMR). In October of 2004, a pediatric respiratory medicine practice at a major academic institution began the process of implementing an EMR system. Through this process, another benefit was realized, improved coordination between out-patient and in-patient care in relation to asthma education. The process began with the formation of an implementation team. The team consisted of technical as well as clinical experts from various disciplines. Together the team developed templates, decision support tools and standardized patient care letters. The team also determined workflow and provided training on the EMR system. A major benefit associated with EMR implementation was the increase in the number of children who were hospitalized with an asthma exacerbation and received an asthma action plan upon discharge. Prior to the EMR system, 4% received an asthma action plan upon discharge. After implementation of the EMR system, 58% received an asthma action plan upon discharge.