A recent study based on an Alliance for Clinical Education survey suggests that medical schools aren’t giving students enough hands-on training in Electronic Medical Records systems. The study, published in the journal Teaching and Learning in Medicine, indicated that almost two-thirds of medical schools allowed students to use EMRs, and two-thirds of those schools allowed the students to document notes in the systems.
Billing issues, a steep learning curve for faculty members unfamiliar with EMR systems, and limitations on reviews of students’ work within the systems were mentioned as challenges faced by school trying to integrate EMRs into their curricula. 27% of respondents stated that students have access to view and write notes and create patient orders, while 41% responded that students have access to view and write notes but not to create orders.
The current generation of aspiring healthcare providers is seen as more comfortable with technology, and healthcare IT in particular, but more hands-on training is crucial for these students, as EMRs like Medisoft Clinical, Allscripts MyWay, and McKesson Practice Choice are increasingly part of the patient care toolset. Microwize Technology is ready to assist with training and implementation.