Journal of Chiropractic Humanities
Volume 16, Issue 1 , Pages 13-20, December 2009

Chiropractic physicians: an analysis of select issues for the use of electronic medical records and the patient-practitioner relationship within the society-culture-personality model

  • Marcel Fredericks, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Professor, Department of Sociology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
    • Director, Office of Research in Medical Sociology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Loyola University Chicago, Damen Hall 934, 6525 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626. Tel.: +1 773 508 3467; fax: +1 773 508 7099.
  • ,
  • Luke Lyons, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Discovery Education, Division of Discovery Communications, Evanston, IL
  • ,
  • Bill Kondellas, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Instructor, Department of Educational Leadership and Development, College of Education, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL
  • ,
  • Michael W.V. Ross

      Affiliations

    • Research Assistant, Office of Research in Medical Sociology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • ,
  • Lam Hang, DC

      Affiliations

    • Chiropractic Practitioner, Dorchester, MA
  • ,
  • Janet Fredericks, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Dean and Professor, Graduate College, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL

Received 8 May 2009; received in revised form 3 August 2009; accepted 12 August 2009.

Abstract 

Objective

The purpose of this article is to explain how new systems of medical technology, specifically electronic medical records, are playing an increasingly crucial role in the modern health care system. By examining these new developments associated with electronic medical technology and the society-culture-personality model, these aforementioned theoretical frameworks might assist chiropractors in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of their patients.

Discussion

The society-culture-personality model can be used as an organizational instrument for assisting chiropractors in developing a better understanding and appreciation of the interrelationships between electronic medical records technology and the society-culture-personality model. The socially meaningful interaction established through electronic medical records technology may enhance communication between the health care professionals and the patient and thereby could improve the quality of care.

Conclusion

It is essential that future and current chiropractic physicians be aware of the ramifications and changes brought about by electronic medical records technology so that they can integrate, synthesize, and actualize the results to deliver care that involves the ingredients of quality, affordability, availability, accessibility, and continuity for their patients. If these outcomes are examined consistently and well, future chiropractic physicians will be able to transfer the traditions of excellence, dedication, and creativity of the health care profession.

Key indexing terms: Chiropractic, Electronic health records, Technology, medical

 

PII: S1556-3499(10)00005-7

doi:10.1016/j.echu.2010.02.004

Journal of Chiropractic Humanities
Volume 16, Issue 1 , Pages 13-20, December 2009