How to Cut Down on Pajama-Time Charting

Why am I spending so much time charting at home?

Many doctors find themselves finishing charts after hours because of busy clinic schedules, interruptions, and complex cases. When you're juggling multiple tasks, it's easy to fall behind on documentation.

How can I document more during the visit?

Try to document in real-time. Use a laptop or tablet to jot down notes as you talk to patients. This might feel awkward at first, but with practice, you can make it part of your routine. Directly inputting information saves time later.

Consider using voice recognition software. Speaking your notes can be faster than typing, and many systems now integrate well with electronic health records (EHRs).

What tools can help make charting faster?

Use templates for common conditions. Templates save time because you don't have to start from scratch for each note. Customize them to fit your style and the specifics of your practice.

Keyboard shortcuts and macros can also speed up documentation. Spend a few minutes setting these up in your EHR system. It pays off in time saved.

How do I manage my time better during the day?

Schedule specific times for charting. Block out short periods between patient appointments to update charts. Even five minutes can help you stay on top of things.

Limit interruptions. Let your team know when you're focusing on charting so they can hold non-urgent questions until you're done.

What if I still need to finish charts at home?

If you must work from home, set clear boundaries. Designate a specific time for charting, and stick to it. Avoid letting it spill over into personal time.

Use this time wisely. Focus on completing the most important tasks first. Leave less critical updates for the next day.

Can team collaboration help reduce charting time?

Yes, your team can be a great asset. Delegate tasks like entering routine data to support staff. This frees you up to focus on more complex parts of the chart.

Regularly communicate with your team about workflow improvements. They might have suggestions for making processes more efficient.

Are there any long-term strategies to reduce charting time?

Invest in training. Learning more about your EHR system can uncover features you didn't know about that save time.

Consider a scribe. While not feasible for everyone, scribes can significantly reduce your charting burden by handling documentation during visits.

• Document in real-time during patient visits
• Use templates and shortcuts
• Schedule dedicated charting times
• Set boundaries for after-hours work
• Collaborate with your team
• Consider long-term solutions like training or scribes