Home Forums Discussions Problems Accidently closing chart and losing data

I am new to this forum, but I have a comment that may already have been addressed. When my technician forwards a chart to me, she has entered CC, HPI and all of that stuff. Sometimes, when I go to maximize the page, I have accidentally hit the "X", and closed the chart. What frosts me is that the chart just closes and does not ask me if I really want to do this. When I open the chart back up, all of the data that the technician entered is gone! However, if I have happened to write data into the physical exam section or assessment and plan, and then if I accidentally close the chart it will ask if I really want to do that. It would be nice to have the "X" button ALWAYS linked to a pop-up comment asking if one really wants to do that. This also goes for addendum's, etc. If you happen to accidentally hit close instead of save, you are sunk.

I agree. I would like to point out, just in case, that you can retrieve your tech's version of the chart from the deleted items box.

Thanks for the info. I will give that a try next time I inadvertently close a chart. Still, a general warning upon closing anything important would be great.

I have hit the red X too many times, and not always realized it. This topic has been on the board before and needs to be added to the wish list.

Amen,
Just a little popup that says "are you sure you really want to erase all that work you just did?"

Hey, BenjaminSerrato was right! I can retrieve the chart from the deleted items bin. That's because when I open the chart that the tech forwarded to me, AC asks if I want to delete it from my mailbox, and I always say yes. That's when it gets saved. All I can say is... DUH! Still, a rex "X" warning is a good idea. Thanks Ben.

Wow,

Now I read the whole thread and I see the deleted items box. Man, I wish I saw that before now. Would have saved me much aggravation. Thanks for the tip.

Actually, I just tried this: A patient with no history put in yet. I opened his chart, put CAD into past medical history and forwarded to myself. Then I opened it from messages and closed the chart. when I go into deleted items and double click on the chart nothing happens. right click and "pull chart" and CAD is gone from PMH. So the problem still exists. Am I doing something wrong in retrieving and item from deleted items?
Thanks

Bill, try these steps. When you accidentally delete the chart, open the deleted items in the message box. Your deleted chart should be there. Click on it to highlight it and then at the bottom of the screen in the lower right is a button "retrieve message". Click that and then click yes to the next message and the item then disappears. Then go back to the inbox, and your deleted chart should be there with your information in it. Give it a try. I have done it several times and it seems to work.

One other way to not lose the tech's data is not to delete the chart when you open it. (In other words click NO when it asks you to delete the chart). You'll end up with 2 copies of the same chart yet it's easy to delete them once you save your note.
When I do this (which I admit is rare) I just delete the extra copy before opening the next person's chart. You do have to open the extra copy, mark YES when it asks you if you wish to delete it, and then hit the X and away that extra copy goes to the deleted items folder. (It's actually faster than it reads).

OK everybody, but we are elaborating tricks to compensate for something that needs to be fixed up at the programming level. And, you cannot retreive something from the deleted file once you have closed AC. When you close AC the deleted box is cleatred out. It is probably not good to leave AC on if you have left the office....security, privacy etc.

That is true. If you do close AC, all is lost. But until this is addressed at the programming level, I will make the best of it.

@ deborah

that brings up another thing. AC should have timed password lockout so it can be left on IMO

EyeGuy,

that worked perfectly. Thanks very much.

@Peter

There currently is no password screen at all, timed or not (besides login to AC). Since I would not think staff would be your main worry (because they have access to AC already) I would simply configure screen savers on a timer through Windows with the "On resume, password protect" box checked. Make sure that all user accounts have passwords and don't allow use of the normal login screen, instead require the username entry. That should be sufficient password protection for most. Now if you are walking away from your computer you can also press the Windows key+L for a quick screen lock.

At our office, I and my staff always log off of AC when we leave the computer. It's a nuisance, but it solves the HIPPA security issue.

True, but if a "patient" were computer savvy and was left in a room with an unlocked computer, he could easily gain access to the entire database outside of AC, and it is not terribly hard to gain access to after that. But, it would appease HIPPA rules to simply log out.

@ paul,

Thanks, that's a good idea. It takes time to leave AC and to restart it.

First, I would never leave a room without locking the COMPUTER. Besides the fact that it is much more secure, it is a lot quicker to log on to a locked computer than a logged off AC. Windows + L will lock it. I use a script attached to the F7 key, which allows me to lock it with one key stroke.

Using timers for screensavers: I haven't looked in awhile, but what is the shortest amount of time you can set it for. One minute would be far too long and anything under three minutes would be a pain having to log back in all the time during or after the exam.

AC does have a one click screensaver activation; unfortunately it is on the patient chart and not on the main screen. Evidently, the thinking was if you had to leave the room quickly, you could click on lock, the ss would come on and you would be all set. But, after signing the chart, you are only left with the main window.

The timers are mainly used in case of forgetful employees or for the rare occasion that you have to run from the room (patient on fire in waiting room? Just kidding!).