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How Shorthand Works |
Shorthand Pro is a medical note editor that works in conjunction with any word processing program including Note pad and Wordpad that come preinstalled in Windows. With this program, you choose the type of note you wish to edit (based on the condition you just treated). There are various choices, as you will note in the screenshot to the right. This limits your editing to a specific problem or situation. You are then put through a series of screens that prompt you for information based on the SOAP formula. You may answer each prompt either by choosing any or all of the selections given to you, plus you also have the option of adding your own original text if a more comprehensive answer is needed. Because of this feature, each of your notes becomes an original note. In this day and age, notes that all appear alike have become subject to added scrutiny. New in Version 8. Unlike previous versions of Shorthand, you now have the ability to create your own "dictionary" entries which allow you to add your own favorite terminology to the pick lists in Shorthand instead of having to type that terminology over and over again on a repeated basis. Since you are prompted for information, errors of omission are dramatically reduced. It is these errors of omission that generally get doctors in trouble when their notes are reviewed. Once the note is completed it may be printed out and placed in the patient's chart. Many doctors have expressed the desire to keep their medical records on their computer (as well as printing out hard copy). To The right is an easy to use word processing program called NoteIt which has database capablilities. You highlight your patient from the list on the left, you bring up Shorthand, produce your note and it will print right to NoteIt. From there the note can be saved, printed out, or even e-mailed. |