Pen, paper…EHR at the VA: study

Donna Cusano

Despite the high level of EHR integration at the VA, the pen and paper is still used by clinicians and physicians–to fill in gaps in EHR reporting or to more easily report findings. ‘Shadow processes’ are still common to support work [or when the system decides to take an unannounced ‘rest’–Ed. Donna] and to create spreadsheets for specialists to more easily track pending consults. This study focuses on referrals by primary care physicians to specialists and communications from the specialists back to the referring physician. HealthcareITNews on “Paper Persistence, Workarounds, and Communication Breakdowns in Computerized Consultation Management”, July 2011 International Journal of Medical Informatics.