Electronic Medical Record System in a Headache Specialty Practice: A Patient Satisfaction Survey

Abstract

Background.— Since November 2002, Headache Wellness Center, a specialty headache practice in Greensboro, NC, has used exclusively an electronic medical record (EMR) system for all patient clinical contacts.

Objective.— To assess patient satisfaction and perceptions regarding this new office technology and to better understand the EMR-patient–physician relationship.

Methods.— An EMR satisfaction survey was administered from February to June 2006 and was completed by 394 patients. All patients were known to the practice and completed the survey at the time of a headache revisit evaluation.

Results.— The majority of respondents believed that EMR system use was not intrusive; did not draw attention away from patient contact; provided more efficient and accurate interactions; and preferred an EMR system in this particular headache setting.

Conclusion.— Patient satisfaction with an EMR system in a headache specialty practice was high.