What is the purpose of the "Narrative" section in Epic?

The "Narrative" section in Epic is designed to capture free-text patient information or observations. This allows clinicians to provide a detailed, qualitative account of a patient's condition, treatment, and any relevant observations that may not fit into structured fields. The flexibility of free-text entry in the Narrative section is crucial for recording nuances of a patient's health status, provider thoughts, and other contextual information that could enhance clinical decision-making and communication among healthcare team members.

This free-text capability is especially beneficial in clinical encounters where the complexity of patient care requires more than just numeric values or standardized codes. It facilitates a comprehensive view of the patient's journey through their healthcare experience, thereby supporting better coordination of care and enhancing the overall quality of documentation within the patient's electronic health record.