Background One goal in EMR development should be to facilitate a patient-centered clinical encounter.

Methods Qualitative analysis and suggestions are offered for how the EMR can individualize patient care, in support of a patient-centered approach.

Result Three promising target areas in efforts to develop a patient-centered EMR are: elicitation of the chief complaint, conduct of health screening activities, and evaluation of health literacy.

Conclusion EMR design can facilitate a more patient-centered clinical encounter.