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OutSmart Guide

Smart Templates

Introduction to Smart Templates

Smart Templates are reusable chart building blocks made up of multiple chart sections that can be combined to create individualized medical charts. They are available to practitioners with an Outsmart PRO subscription.

Smart Templates are essentially no different than a patient medical chart, except there is no patient specified. So they can be added to any patient chart. Smart Templates can be combined, so one chart can be loaded with multiple Smart Templates.

The goal of Smart Templates is to:

  • Speed up charting by reusing predefined charting structures and content.
  • Provide flexibility by combining multiple templates to match different patient needs.

How to Create Smart Templates

Smart Templates can be created in two ways:

  1. From scratch (blank template).
  2. From an existing patient chart.

Creating a Template from Scratch

A template looks nearly identical to a SmartChart, but it is not tied to a specific patient. Think of it as creating a chart for a fictitious patient. You are preparing various sections and content to simplify charting for a future real patient visit.

Steps to create:

  • Open the Main Navigation Menu.
  • Click on Smart Charts.
  • Select the Smart Templates tab.
  • Click Create New Template.
  • Add your desired sections and information.
  • Click Save and close the template.
  • Repeat to create as many templates as you like.

Creating a Template from an Existing Patient Chart

You can also generate a Smart Template based on a patient chart you have already created.

Steps to create a Smart Template from an exiting patient chart:

  • Open the Main Navigation Menu.
  • Click on Smart Charts.
  • Click on the Your Charts tab to see a list of your patient charts.
  • Find the chart you want to copy into a template and then click on the “Convert to Smart Template” button, in the icon toolbar to the right of the chart, to convert that chart into a Smart Template. This will create a copy of the chart as a template and then open the template for editing.
  • Make necessary modifications to the Smart Template to generalize it for other patients.
  • Click Save and close the template.

Three Template Example

Here’s an example of how you might create and combine templates:

  • First Visit General Template
    • Family Medical History (Subjective)
    • Goals (Subjective)
    • Measurements (Objective)
    • Future Plan (Plan)
  • Infertility Template
    • Chief Concerns: Infertility (Subjective)
    • Female Reproductive Questionnaire (Subjective)
    • Diagnosis: Infertility (Assessment)
    • Counselling: Fertility counselling (Plan)
  • Dairy-Free Diet Template
    • Diet and Nutrition: Dairy-Free Diet (Plan)
    • Lifestyle: Daily Exercise (Plan)
    • Products: Fish Oil (Plan)

Example workflow:

  • Start a First Visit General template for a new patient.
  • Add the Infertility template if the patient is seeking fertility treatment.
  • Later, add the Dairy-Free Diet template if dietary changes are needed.

Adding a Template to a Chart

Once templates are created, they can be added directly to patient charts.

Steps:

  • Open the patient’s chart.
  • From the template dropdown list, select the desired Smart Template.
  • The sections and pre-populated information from that template will be inserted into the chart.

Best Practices & Considerations

  • Keep templates modular: Create small, specific templates instead of one large one.
  • Combine as needed: Mix and match templates to fit each patient’s unique needs.
  • Reuse wisely: Save time by reusing templates but always tailor them for the patient.
  • Update regularly: Review templates to ensure they reflect your most current clinical practices.
  • Name descriptively: Use clear names (e.g., First Visit General, Infertility Intake) so they’re easy to identify.