I have a lot of respect for what electronic medical records can, and will do, for continuity of care, safety and quality, but I sometimes feel that computers detracts from both the patient experience and the provider’s ability to think critically. There is an art and science to providing the ideal patient experience and both must be respected and balanced. While the computer provides an important part of the science for us, the art lies in making the human connection and using critical thinking despite the temptation to let a series of questions blinking on a 15 inch screen dictate the flow of the encounter. Read more...
