We use them every day in texts and social media to add flair or emotion, but tiny digital icons like the smiley face and thumbs-up are now making their way into a surprising place: your electronic health records (EHRs).
A recent report has shed light on this growing trend, raising questions about whether these symbols belong in a professional medical setting.
The Data Behind the Digital Symbols
In a massive analysis of over 218 million medical records spanning from 2020 to 2025, researchers identified nearly 400 different emojis used across thousands of patient files. These weren't just internal notes; most appeared in direct communications sent from clinical teams to patients via online portals. This even included messages sent to seniors in their 70s.
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