EHR messaging before first visit fosters a stronger patient-physician connection

Inspired by the VA’s My Life, My Story project, this initiative used the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to strengthen the patient-physician relationship. The initiative invited patients to share personal narratives before their first visit with a new primary care physician. Conducted at a regional clinic affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the project involved sending secure messages to patients, asking them to describe what they wanted their health care team to know about them as a person. The majority of patients responded positively. Some shared deeply personal information they may not have disclosed during a typical clinical encounter. The study physician reported these narratives fostered a stronger connection with patients, facilitated more effective agenda-setting, and improved the overall efficiency of the visit.

Using the Electronic Health Record to Facilitate Patient-Physician Relationship While Establishing Care 

Samantha Barbour, et al

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin

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