How Can Dermatology EMR Systems Optimize Patient-Doctor Communication?

Dermatology EMR systems are the primary technological platform doctors utilize to handle patient information. Ongoing developments in this field have allowed for the improved management and optimization of data access and storage. However, streamlined patient-doctor communication can still be challenging to achieve in spite of its intrinsic importance. This article looks to review the current advancements in modern dermatology EMR systems and what features they offer to support efficient communication for best dermatology practices.

1. The challenging demands in dermatology
Recently, dermatology practices have seen an increase in patient demand. However, simultaneously the number of available practicing professionals has remained steady, thus generating shortages in the access to such vital services.¹ Higher patient numbers have translated to more administrative demands for doctors associated with clinical histories data management. Bureaucratic procedures can be time-consuming, leaving little time to focus on proper communication with patients.

The strong impact that doctor follow-ups can have on an ongoing diagnostic or treatment procedures is reflected on the trust and support that a patient receives throughout the entire process. To this respect, access to the most updated information is crucial for applying a clear strategy to tackle skin cancer, a disease for which the cure is directly proportional to the stage it is diagnosed. Strategies include on-time communication of potentially suspicious symptoms and confirmed diagnosis after dermatopathology analysis. In both cases, involving the patient in every step of the workflow remains imperative.

2. Bridging the gap with secure and efficient connectivity
In recent times, the advent of newer technologies involving remote connectivity has transformed the nature of data storage and sharing. The latest generation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems are capable of readily connecting to cloud-based servers to provide uninterrupted access to information. Indeed, cloud-based EMR systems such as DermEngine are able to capitalize from their remote connectivity approach, in order to send and receive real time information about patient cases and follow-ups.

The DermEngine platform is a powerful cloud-based hub that provides the connectivity and tools to handle the necessary information sharing in order to keep patients informed on the status of their care. In fact, DermEngine offers three main ways through which a doctor can engage in direct communication with patients:

1. Patient mention in case notes- Every time a new procedure is added to an ongoing patient’s clinical history, doctors are able to add a note to the specific client account. However, if the patient’s email address has been added to his active profile, then his name can be “mentioned” in the notes and a message triggered directly to an email inbox. This works much as mentions are used in social media networks.

2. Pathology lab results shared via email - As soon as a pathology lab submits a biopsy result to an ongoing clinical case, doctors are able to share a link to the laboratory report with a patient.

3. Pathology lab results shared via SMS message - Similarly, a laboratory report link can be shared through a regular text message pending availability of patient’s contact number.

DermEngine’s compliance to international safety online regulations also guarantees that all the data shared with patients is done in a secure and reliable manner. 

Conclusion
The power of data management brought by dermatology EMR systems has indeed transformed the way doctors and patients experience daily consultations. However, beyond the organization and storage of data, on-time communication of relevant events throughout the course of diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance. To this regard, modern cloud-based EMRs are going a step further in offering immediate updates benefiting from their remote connectivity. Having patients involved in every step along the process can help streamline the readiness to timely respond against a disease where early detection is a definitory factor.

1-https://www.reuters.com