Informal Conversation Observational Method

I found the informal conversation observational method appropriate in finding out the reaction doctors have towards the HER software. The methodology was appropriate as it moved the discussion between the doctors and researcher regarding their reaction on the EHR software, without the need for preset questions. 

Following the discussion with the physician regarding the EHR software, the following were the findings. Firstly, most physicians feel that, the EHR software needs a complete overhaul. They feel that, the software comes with more challenges than benefits. Out of the three physicians, only one said that he was satisfied with the EHR software, while the other two felt that the software was not satisfying. The three agreed that EHR were detracting their professional satisfaction, and effectiveness in clinical matters. They observed that EHR was to blame for the increased working hours, and as such, contributed to physician burnout. The findings also show that, HER software has the ability of detracting the interaction between doctor and patients. Communication between the physician and the patient is distracted. For instance, the doctors complained that facing a computer instead of making eye contact with the patients was making it difficult to study the patient and listen to what they are saying. During the discussion, the doctors expressed their frustration saying that, the software is competing with their patients for the limited attention and time. According to them, they are spending too much time interacting with the EHR software, while that time should be going to the patient. For instance, one doctor observed that, on average, patient visit takes 20 minutes, and out of that, 10 minutes is spent interacting with the system. All the three doctors observed that, EHR should be improved in terms of user interface design in order to reduce time-spent on the screen. In overall, the findings showed that, most physicians have negative attitude towards EHR software.