The electronic medical record in pediatrics: functionalities and best use practices

The implementation of electronic medical record tools in pediatric care implies the creation of use recommendations and a clear definition of functional features. The objective of this paper is to describe minimum specific functionalities for an electronic medical record in pediatrics, with the aim to contribute to a definition of design criteria and best practices for its use. In this report, we will go over the generic functionality of the electronic medical record; we will frame the legal context in Argentina; we will approach some implementation aspects; and finally, we will describe minimum pediatric specific functionalities. Despite the adoption barriers in the field of pediatrics when it comes to incorporating electronic medical records into their professional activity, there are multiple resources to enable this digital transformation process. It is also fundamental to understand that, like any other technology, there are responsibilities related to their appropriate use.