Orthopedic Resident and Patient Perception of Electronic Medical Record Use During the Clinic Visit

Background The transition from paper charts to electronic medical records (EMRs) has resulted in greater efficiency and reduced medical errors. This study aimed to examine the perception of patients and orthopedic residents regarding computer use during the clinic visit. Methodology This study utilized a cross-sectional cluster design. Orthopedic resident physicians were given a one-time general pre-visit survey. Additional surveys were given to patients and resident physicians post-visit. Surveys included questions that assessed satisfaction and the perceived impact of computer usage on doctor-patient interactions. Logistic generalized estimating equations were run to determine if there was an association between patient response and clinician assessment, adjusting for repeated measures within clinicians. Results A total of 80 patients and 15 residents completed the surveys. Results from the physician pre-visit survey showed that more residents perceived the computer as having a “negative” (47%) than “positive” (26%) effect on their relationship with patients. According to the post-visit analysis, patients perceived the residents’ use of the EMR as having an overall positive effect on their ability to establish a personal connection and having a positive effect on their ability to give them attention. Conclusions Overall, there was little correlation between patient and resident perception of the computer’s effect on their relationship. Patients generally perceived the computer as having a positive effect on their interaction with the residents even when residents had a negative perception of the computer’s effect on their interaction.