Abstract
The use of electronic medical record (EMR) systems equipped with critical pathway function have increased in hospitals, but outcome hasn't necessarily achieved what it aimed for.
Many hospitals which initially had introduced EMR, returned to a paper-based clinical pathway. It must be understood that there are plural patterns in the critical pathway format, the usage, the analysis methods, and the way of quality improvement of a medical plan set in clinical pathway. Developing EMRs without thoroughly understanding critical pathway fundamentals definitely may result in a useless system.
A function of critical pathway depends on the structural situation of the EMR. It is important how the record system is implemented at each section, and how the system acts regarding correct time scheduling, enforcement and recording.
Low speed performance and frequent click operation disturb the correct use and collection of data, which normally would contribute to medical quality improvement. Therefore caution and care is required when developing and introducing a new electronic critical pathway.
