Why EMR may not be that helpful: health workers use "copy-paste" templates

Deducting from my extensive experience with EMR (electronic medical records), I believe it has advantages and disadvantages, like any product.

For example, some users may become prone to copy-pasting and using templates that change very little with individual patients. See an example below:

All worksheets were followed as appropriate. Each diagnosis was stated precisely. There is no lack of a diagnosis justified. Functional impairment was mentioned. All remarks are addressed.

The onset of the skin condition was described, as was the course of the skin condition with any variation of symptoms over time, if any. Any treatment type and dosage, if found or used, was mentioned, if any. The frequency and duration of each treatment during the last 12 months, if any was found, was stated. The percentage of exposed areas, and entire body surface area percentage involved, were stated, if any. If any scarring or disfigurement was noted, this was stated, and if so, the scar examination worksheet was attached, if any disfigurement was noted - if none was found, the scar examination worksheet was not attached. If any acne or chloracne was present, this was stated, and whether it was superficial or deep, if found. Any diagnostic or clinical tests or photographs, if needed, were reported, if any.

However, there is little doubt that EMR is a much better solution than paper documentation overall.

References:

Obama proposing a massive effort to to make all health records standardized and electronic

Related reading:

Debate: Do Electronic Health Records Help or Hinder Medical Education? PLoS Medicine: http://is.gd/z9or

Medical Malpractice Liability in the Age of Electronic Health Records - NEJM, 2010 http://goo.gl/cGZG9
"The iPatient is getting wonderful care across America. The real patient wonders, "Where is everybody?" NYTimes, 2011.