Caps in Data Entry

Here is a companion post to a previous post regarding Data Entry Questions. Some of you have reported that you are requested by your boss/supervisor/office manager to type in all capital letters when entering patient information. Of course, always follow such instructions!

However, for those of you who are not required to do this, there are advantages to following regular capitalization.

Take a look at these two addresses, and see which you like reading better:

JOHN Q. SOMEBODY
1357 PARALLEL UNIVERSE LANE
HARRISTOWNVILLE, NY 13367

John Q. Somebody
1357 Parallel Universe Lane
Harristownville, NY 13367

Most people find that the second address is more enjoyable to read. The difference seems pretty minor until you come across a longer entry in the patient information which is in all caps, for example:

PATIENT REQUIRES A TRANSLATOR FOR ITALIAN. REQUESTS CATHOLIC PRIEST TO BE PRESENT BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY MAJOR PROCEDURE.

Patient requires a translator for Italian. Requests Catholic Priest to be present before undergoing any major procedure.

Again, most people would prefer to read the second entry. This makes reports, printouts, and patient data more pleasant to read. It can also help in data entry fields allowing variable fonts, as shown in a previous blog post, Data Entry Questions.