What characterizes a problem-oriented medical record (POMR)?

A problem-oriented medical record (POMR) is specifically designed to categorize and present patient information by specific clinical problems. This approach allows healthcare providers to systematically identify, manage, and document each problem a patient may have, facilitating better care coordination and monitoring of treatment outcomes.

The structure of a POMR typically consists of clear problem lists, including the patient's ongoing issues and concerns, and narrative entries that reflect the analysis and progress regarding each problem. This format helps clinicians quickly reference pertinent information related to a patient's specific conditions while promoting a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health status.

While other aspects can accompany the documentation process, such as electronic maintenance or chronological organization, the foundational characteristic that defines a POMR is its problem-focused approach. This makes it particularly useful in clinical settings where ongoing management of multiple conditions is necessary.