Many physicians worry that using computers in the exam room could damage the patient experience. We surveyed 4,500 patients to find out what they think. Spoiler alert: EHRs in the exam room are the least of patients' concerns.

1. Software Advice Report:
Patient Preferences About EHRs

2. Many physicians worry using computers in the exam room could damage the
patient experience. We surveyed 4,500 patients to find out what they think. Our
data reveal:
• How do patients feel about various methods of electronic charting?
• How do patients feel about electronic vs. paper charting?
• To what extent does electronic charting drive patient satisfaction/dissatisfaction?
Abstract

3. Most Patients Don't Mind Electronic Note-Taking During Exams
When asked about different methods of electronic charting during exams, more
than 80 percent of patients said they wouldn’t be bothered by any of the three.
Tablet
Laptop computer
Desktop computer
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all bothersome Not very bothersome
Somewhat bothersome Very bothersome

4. Patients Showed More Concern Over Scribes Typing Notes
Patients were twice as likely to express concern over the use of a scribe (a third-
party assistant in the exam room) versus the doctor using a computer.
Scribe
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all bothersome Not very bothersome
Somewhat bothersome Very bothersome

5. Patients Are Most Concerned About Audio Recordings
Over one-third of patients said they’d be bothered by doctors using tape recorders
to assist in charting medical notes.
Tape recorder
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all bothersome Not very bothersome
Somewhat bothersome Very bothersome

6. Patient Preferences for Point-of-Care Charting Methods
Nearly half of patients surveyed had no preference between doctors using EHRs or
using pen and paper at the point of care.
8%
4%
47%
18%
24%
Strongly prefer electronic
Somewhat prefer electronic
Absolutely no preference
Somewhat prefer pen / paper
Strongly prefer pen / paper

7. Patients Prefer EHRs Over Paper During Exams
If we filter down only to patients with a preference (i.e. if we eliminate “absolutely
no preference”), the preference for EHRs significantly outweighs that for paper.
15%
8%
33%
44%
Strongly prefer electronic
Somewhat prefer electronic
Somewhat prefer pen / paper
Strongly prefer pen / paper

8. Non-EHR Factors More Strongly Impact Satisfaction
Patients indicated that long wait times at the doctor’s office, unfriendly staff and
short duration of visits with the doctor would most drive dissatisfaction.
5%
11%
24%
25%
35% Long wait time
Unfriendly staff
Short visit duration
Trouble scheduling appointment
Doctor using computer in exam

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