| The purpose of this research is to examine the role of electronic medical records (EMR) technology in healthcare, specifically the impact of such technology on the education of healthcare workers in the United States. First, a comprehensive review of the available literature addressing EMR technology and patient care was performed to identify how EMR technology influences availability, accessibility, affordability, continuity, and quality in healthcare. Based upon the evidence that emerged on the influence of EMR technology on patient care, components of medical education were subsequently identified that require changes to accommodate for EMR technology in the clinical setting.; Investigation into the effect of EMR technology on patient care reveals three significant implications for healthcare worker education. First, healthcare worker education must ensure that quality of patient care is not diminished as organizations transition from paper-based records to EMR technology. Second, healthcare worker education must accommodate new modes of interaction between the doctor and patient as a result of EMR technology. Third, healthcare worker education must address how healthcare workers will collaborate via EMR technology. Designing pedagogical approaches that address these three key developments will be of critical importance to the delivery of quality patient care. |
