Bridging Theory and Practice: a qualitative study on electronic charting and health systems science in Korean...

The digital transition in healthcare has underscored the importance of charting competence. However, medical record education remains fragmented and insufficient. With the introduction of competency-based assessments in KAS2022, there is an urgent need for structured training that integrates paper and electronic charts in Korean medicine education.

This qualitative study conducted focus group interviews with 19 students from a Korean medicine university. Participants were tasked with documenting standardized cases using both a paper chart and an electronic chart (Doodol-Chart). They then engaged in group interviews according to academic year to explore their experiences, challenges, and perceptions.

Students primarily learned charting through informal channels, leading to difficulties in structured history-taking and the use of professional terminology. Paper charts were valued for their flexibility but hindered systematic record management. Conversely, electronic charts facilitated faster data entry and organized storage but limited free-text flexibility. Students emphasized the need for early foundational training, a standardized curriculum, and clinically integrated practice. Electronic chart education was also noted to reinforce Health Systems Science (HSS). Despite the benefits of electronic charting, our focus group interviews revealed challenges related to informal training and restricted flexibility, underscoring the complementary insights of qualitative inquiry.

Structured charting education is essential in Korean medicine. Integrating electronic charting within the HSS framework underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that enhance clinical reasoning and collaboration. Specifically, developing electronic medical record-integrated assessment tools is crucial for bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring the professional identity and sustainability of future Korean medicine practitioners.