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Using macros with Vision

Brad Cheek

Plan• What are macros?

• Why are they useful?

• What software do I need?

• Pitfalls and problems

• Using macros in practice• Principles• Designing a macro

• Demonstration of my macro system

What are macros?

Why are they useful?• Speeds up data entry

• Less use of computer during the consultation• Saves time

• Accuracy of data entry

• More complete data entry

• Avoid boring repetitive tasks

What do I need?• A macro recorder and player

• Keyboard express• Macro express

• Some time to fiddle about

Differences between:

General Information Keyboard Express Macro Express

Price $24.95 $39.95

Web Page www.keyboardexpress.com www.macros.com

Differences between:

Pitfalls and problems• Macros are only as good as your programming!

• Getting it to work can be frustrating

• Sometimes Vision doesn’t respond in the same way in identical situations

Using macros in practice• Principles

• Set up consultation manager carefully• Have an overview of what you want to do• Choose shortkeys carefully• Use a key chart for the keyboard• Develop a help file

Some design options• System tray

• Popup windows

• Floating windows

Using macros in practice• Designing a macro

• Plan it out first (on paper)• Use a stepwise approach• Error check as you go

Some macros - key chartsNumeric keypad - Mail Manager

7 Appt PN 8 Midwife to action 9 Open pt record + Popup

4 Appt HCA 5 Abn but satis 6 Appt NP

1 Tell pt normal 2 Appt GP 3 Actioned by clinician Enter

0 Mark read/unread . Next result

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12

Help List med hist Sel pt / Read List/add acute List/add repeat

Refer Start cons New Rx Print Rx Tog rec Read Guidelines

Visit c Opport

Macro help Check ref

CT

R

Med review x-ray Reauth email f/u Read Problems

Move to P Inactivate P Email re pt BNF Lab forms Lab test due Admin c Reauth 1y Plan Add text

AL

T

CT

R

AL

T

CT

R

AL

T

CT

R

CT

R

AL

T

CT

R

F1

F6 F7 F8 F9

F10 F11 F12

F1

SH

SH

Phone Pt c

Emerg c

Physio

Some macros in Vision• macros\vision_clinical.mex

• macros\helpfiles\clinical macros helpfile.htm

• macros\vision_admin.mex

• macros\helpfiles\admin macros helpfile.htm

Creating an example macro

www.gp-training.net/it Vision resources – macros and helpfiles