Page Contents
OVERVIEW
There are often ways that lists of patients can be organized in the EMR that can save a significant amount of time. It is common for EMR systems to have methods of organizing patient lists by service simply because looking up patients individually each time simply is not a good use of time.
This page includes tutorial videos in each of its sections (that demonstrates how to perform these features on the UCSF EPIC EMR system). All of these videos can be found in this folder here.
*While the preview feature for these videos may not work on certain mobile browsers, the videos can still be viewed if they are given time to load/the page is refreshed.
FINDING PATIENT LISTS
The first step will always be finding exactly where the patient lists exist. Typically there are system lists in the EMR that one will be able to access and then save patient lists for further usage.
Watch a video here on how to find patient lists (demonstrated on the UCSF EPIC EMR)
OPTIMIZING PATIENT LISTS
While having patient lists accessible is useful, there are often times steps that can be taken to also make patient data (such as the most recent blood pressure) available on the patient’s list. While this may not seem to be such a dramatic addition, including data like this in a central place (especially if one is taking care of many patients) can save a significant amount of time and improve the delivery of patient care.
Watch a video here on how to optimize patient lists (demonstrated on the UCSF EPIC EMR)
The columns that can be added to the patient list can include may types of useful information such as currently ordered anticoagulation medications, diet orders, antimicrobials, and much more.
USING THE LIST TO KEEP ON TOP OF NEW RESULTS/NOTES
One of the sections that can often times be added to the patient list is a column that highlights new results/new notes as they are updated in a patients chart. This feature makes it significantly easier to keep on top of new patient information as it becomes available and can save a tremendous amount of time.
Watch a video here on how to optimize patient lists (demonstrated on the UCSF EPIC EMR)
USING THE HANDOFF/SIGN-OUT TOOL WITH YOUR LIST
Often times patient lists will have a feature that allows for the user to edit the patient handoff/sign-out that is associated with each patient. This refers to the information for each patient that is used when rounding on the patients (typically the information that is printed out for rounds).
It is important to understand how to access and update the handoff/sign-out in each EMR system that you are using.
HOW TO PRINT THE LIST
It may seem simple, however learning how to actually physically print out the list (in the correct format for the service you are working on) is a key skill to have. Typically there will be a cover sheet that is printed and then a handoff/sign-out page for each patient.
Watch a video here on how to print the patient list (demonstrated on the UCSF EPIC EMR)
UTILIZING HANDOFF DATA IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE EMR
In certain EMR systems, the information that is written in the handoff can be easily populated into other sections of the patient chart. This can save significant amounts of time.
HOW TO ADD AND REMOVE PATIENTS FROM THE LIST
While easy to overlook, one must also be familiar with how to add and remove patients from the service list. This is crucial because often times if a treatment team does not have the patient present on their list they may forget that they are involved in that patient’s care.
Page Updated: 06.12.2019