Integrating patient questionnaire data into electronic medical records

Electronic medical records allow the quick and easy incorporation of data into the medical records. By virtue of their design, questionnaire responses can be entered and used in the electronic environment with little or no effort on the part of the practicing physician. Data can be captured through various means, stored, and then viewed when the patient visits the office. Data can also be shared for use by other physicians in the practice or in large databases. Easy access and availability should allow for greater use of questionnaires by physicians, resulting in better patient care.

Key words: electronic medical record, practice management, questionnaires