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.
Photo by Samer Daboul from Pexels
Medical records are official documents. In our country no emojis are allowed.
ReplyDeleteThat's really an interesting research, Melody. I would have never thought of 400 different emojis used across patients' text messages and emails. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCreo que hay lugares en los que no deben usarse para nada estos dibujitos y en los imformes médicos es uno de ellos.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Считаю совершенно неуместным использовать эмодзи в документах и официальных переписках, тем более в медицинских.
ReplyDeletecreo que en mi país no se utilizan. el problema con los emojis es que son demasiados, no se sabe bien cuál es su significado de tal manera que muchas personas los utilizan por las razones equivocadas.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Melody! I believe emojis shouldn't be used in medical communication. They can be misconstrued. Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
ReplyDelete