Twenty years ago, notes were simple memory joggers – a quick scribble of what would help you the next time you met a patient. Simple, straightforward, and just enough to help you remember.
Fast forward to today, the concept of notes has changed completely, protecting against insurance audits and malpractice suits. It’s not just your eyes scanning those notes anymore. Other people need access to them, adding a layer of complexity to the mix. They are too long, annoying to fill out, and less clinically useful. And let’s not forget the generational twist.
Doctors educated in different eras bring unique approaches to note-taking. From the pen-and-paper simplicity of the past to the tech-savvy strategies of the present, everyone has their own style of recording their work. A blend of seasoned veterans sticking to the familiar, and fresh-faced millennials diving headfirst into the world of AI and smart features.
So let’s look at the different note-taking styles across generations and how EMRs like Populate can simplify this process, no matter the era or style.
Traditional Note-Taking Methods
The evolution of note-taking is a shift that many seasoned doctors, like Dr. Smith (70 years old), find quite perplexing. Dr. Smith finished his residency before the personal computer became a household item. At 70, he’s not too keen on technology and prefers the simplicity of manual note-taking.
Then there’s Dr. Thompson (57 years old), a two-finger typist who prefers dictation. Although a bit more tech-savvy than Dr. Smith, typing is neither of their strong suit.
In a world where clicks and scrolls dominate, these doctors have to learn different techniques to navigate their EMRs in the most time-efficient way.
Modernizing with Dictation
For traditionalists like Dr. Smith and Dr. Thompson, dictation is a game changer- effortlessly translating thoughts into words, reducing manual effort. Both doctors found solace in dictation, allowing them to focus more on patient interaction and keep their keyboards at bay.
Before discovering the dictation feature, Dr. Smith would spend about 10 minutes on each patient’s note, manually typing out each section of the SOAP note. Now, it takes him 2 minutes to draft each note, saving hours from his note-taking process. Dr. Thompson, who would spend around 8 minutes on each note, can now leave his office early because he can save 2 hours of documentation time each day.
But dictation isn’t the only feature that can make this process more efficient.
Streamlining with Templates and AI
Sometimes, efficient note-taking isn’t only about saving time but also about keeping the notes clean and accurate. To make this process as efficient as possible, another doctor, Dr. Patel (43 years old) recognizes the potential of using templates to simplify her note-taking routine. For her, a well-organized template is quicker and more straightforward than dictating.
She prefers saving templates for common conditions within the system. All she needs to do is search for the nickname she saved the template as and add it to the note, making edits if necessary. No need to type/dictate the whole thing, plus, she can also maintain consistency within her notes by using the same format each time. Dr. Patel really appreciates the time saved and the increased accuracy achieved through structured templates.
Meanwhile, AI takes the spotlight, enhancing the note-taking process for those, like Dr. Lee (31 years old), who are ready for the future. Dr. Lee sees the potential for AI to revolutionize note-taking by learning and adapting to each doctor’s unique style. Forming paragraphs from lists and getting code suggestions based on assessment are some ways he likes incorporating AI for swift note creation.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: Generational Harmony
The evolution of the note-taking process has led EMRs like Populate to cater to every generation, recognizing the distinct preferences that come with varying levels of tech adoption. Baby Boomers like Dr. Smith find comfort in a blend of manual templates and dictation while millennials, like Dr. Lee, crave smart features and AI integration for swift note-taking. It’s about acknowledging diversity and simplifying the note-taking journey for doctors across generations.
Whether you prefer dictation or AI, Populate ensures your notes reflect your unique style while maintaining efficiency and accessibility. Easy notes, varied strokes – that’s the Populate way.