Let’s work from the mind set that our clients, regardless of age are not going to refuse services if we show up with a laptop or tablet at their home.

We know that more and more people aged 40+ are using computers. However, we also know we are going to show up at some client appointments and be greeted by people, not so sure about our laptops.

Practical Ways to Build Confidence When Charting at the Point-of-Care

What can we do to make our interactions with these people more effective and remove the perceived barrier that a device poses? We need to bridge the gap between clients and providers. First, we need to be comfortable with our mobile devices.

  • Practice, practice, practice

It may sound like common sense, or feel a little contrived to you, but carrying that device around with you as often as you can, getting it out, starting it up, knowing the keyboard, or keypad, and  knowing how to move the pointer around using your touchpad are all things that may seem minor.

They are important.

If you are so comfortable doing them, that you don’t have to think about it, it means you can be thinking about and focusing on your client instead.

  • Time

Spend time learning and building your comfort with the EHR Software workflow through your charting application.

  • Comfortable

Make sure you are comfortable working with the device on your lap. We know there is not usually a nice, neat, clear area to set up office at the client’s home.

  • Laptop desk

Consider bringing a lap desk with you. They are small, lightweight and give you a steady, firm surface to work on.

  • Hello? Is Anybody Over There?

peering over computer resized 600Positioning of the device is important.

Think about how often you’ve been in an office and are on the opposite side of the desk from somebody taking information from you.

You can’t see their monitor, if the desk is somewhat high, you may not even be able their whole face.

Position yourself so the client is not across the screen from you if using a laptop. sharing view of computer resized 600

  • Don’t Underestimate a Client’s Ability to Adapt

Electronic charting is here. Just as healthcare providers are adjusting to a world of paperless charts, the clients are too.

We can help them and help ourselves if we are willing and prepared.

My husband’s 91 year old grandmother was homebound for the last year of her life. She needed help with meals and I had told her if she ever needed me to stop over and cook her a meal, if she was willing to put up with my cooking, I was willing to do it.

One afternoon she called me and asked if I could come over and help her out. I asked her what she wanted for dinner that evening and she said she had some fish set out.

So I went over. I hugged and greeted her and told her I’d get started on dinner right away. “Oh no!” she exclaimed. I didn’t want you to fix my dinner, my email won’t work.”