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Every hospital and clinic is different. For veteran locums, certain systems and patterns become familiar. Still, each hospital supports its own processes and information systems.
As visiting physicians, locum tenens doctors are expected to show up and produce results. Developing a broad-based knowledge of general computer skills is an enormous asset for locums. And by familiarizing yourself with a variety of common records systems, you'll be well positioned to perform out of the gates.
Costs and benefits of EMR software
Electronic records systems are supposed to make our lives easier. According to research by the National Center for Biotechnical Information, these systems accomplish that goal.
EMR programs simplify and automate mundane clinical tasks, but that efficiency comes at a cost.
Uneducated use or improper data entry can lead to errors. Also, inexperienced EMR users might struggle with the software when they should spend time communicating with their patients.
NCBI recommends that computer mastery is one way to combat this inherent deficiency. Strong technological proficiency gives locums a leg up when encountering new systems for the first time.
Be part of the solution
The Profitable Practice, a software advice column for healthcare professionals, lists employee computer skills and technical savvy as critical components for successful adoption of EMR systems.
There is a loose parallel between in-house adoption of new technology and a traveling physician's ability to rapidly adapt to the business processes on a new assignment.
Being good with computers will let you focus on your patients and the needs of the practice. Being familiar with the common EMR software solutions will ensure that you're an asset to the team.
Many software vendors offer introductory tutorials and video-training courses for their products. Be an IT rock star and familiarize yourself with common computer systems and the leading EMR programs.