I write my rough drafts with a software called Scrivener. I like using it because they have an excellent tutorial system and user’s guide—all part of the initial package cost. They also have a blog and a podcast. Simple put, the software developers at Scrivener give you the resources to master its use.
In conttrast, one thing I disliked about the EHR software I used as a physician was how difficult its developers made it to master their software. You actually had to be sponsored by your organization to fly to the Eastern US to take these courses. Clearly the EHR software company’s goal was to monetize their software at every touchpoint.
Think that through for a moment. EHRs, for better and worse, are a key tool for physicians to engage with and help patients, but the company who controls them bottlenecks the ability to master its use.
Could you imagine if a company such as Microsoft didn’t allow the sale of a single user guide for its Excel or other Microsoft Office products, and instead required everyone to fly to Redmond, Washington for the privilege of mastering their software?
How short-sighted these EHR software developers are.