Using EHR technology require a certain adjustment in the way you're used to interacting with your patiens and their charts. Deciding how to do this in the way that makes you the most comfortable will help guide your choice of hardware -- e.g. using a desktop, laptop, or tablet PC.
Read what your colleagues are trying to help you determine what might work for you:
Joan E. Wurmbrand, MD, Bexley, OH says:
"Our architect designed (and the cabinet makers built) storage cabinets with a pull out desk. We can be facing patients in their chairs as we sit on our rolling stools. When it comes time for the exam, the patient can stand to move to the exam table and we can slide the desktop back into the cabinet. It has worked out well and I can set my wireless laptop on it easily."
Thurman Pedigo, MD, Nashville, TN, says:
"Based on recent experience, I would have everything I can on wheels. We are wireless in exam rooms and discovered the convenience of having a computer desk on wheels so that the entire setup will move easily to another location if needed. Every exam room should be identical. My opinion is that four room clusters are a good exam room configuration, although three room clusters for slower physicians may be adequate. A very small sink and useful counter in the exam room is a must as well as access to both sides of the exam table. Position the door close to the desk-do not position patient between the doctor and the door."
David Voran, MD, Leawood, KS, says:
"In our on-site clinic we're going to experiment with large LCD screens positioned so the physician and patient can both view it comfortably. Each clinician will have their own wireless tablet PC and, when sitting down with the patient, can use the wall-mounted LCD as the second monitor. That way the clinician can slide those items to be shared with the patient onto that monitor, while keeping the other parts of the record or other personal productivity applications on the tablet's screen."
