STFM DEVELOPS PRECEPTOR GUIDELINES AND A POSITION STATEMENT ON STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

Beat Steiner; Susan Cochella; Bonnie Jortberg; Katie Margo; Christine Jerpbak; Allen Last; Michael Mendoza; Barbara Tobias; Esther Johnston; Melissa Robinson

doi:10.1370/afm.1632

The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine has created 2 documents to help preceptors and other educators when working with students using electronic health records (EHRs). The guidelines will help preceptors work effectively with students when using EHRs. The position statement will assist preceptors and other educators when engaging compliance officers or organizations in discussions about the need for medical students to work meaningfully with electronic medical records.

Preceptor Guidelines

Medical students need to learn effective use of EHRs to prepare them for their work as residents and practicing physicians. This document reviews core medical student documentation issues and highlights core EHR concepts, functions, and skills to which we believe all medical students should have exposure and in which they should begin developing competence. As clinical preceptors we believe that actively considering these concepts and exposing your students to these concepts will enhance student learning and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the patient care experience. Read the Preceptor Guidelines Document at http://www.stfm.org/resources/EHR.

Position Statement

CMS standards have significantly altered the involvement of medical students in the care of not only Medicare patients, but of all patients, as institutions, fearful of litigation, have enacted very conservative interpretations of the CMS standards. In some institutions, students are forbidden any access to EHRs; in other institutions the enacted policies have marginalized the role of medical students in the care of all patients. These CMS standards have also hindered the team function of care. The efficiency gained by the student’s aid in documenting care has in the past provided time for the teaching physician to provide clinical instruction. CMS standards have largely eliminated this efficiency. Read the Position Statement at http://www.stfm.org/resources/EHR.