The Surprising Rise of Emojis in EHRs
Researchers explored how emojis are used in clinical communication and where misinterpretation may occur
By
Jess Allerton
January 20, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: The Surprising Rise of Emojis in EHRs
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Emoji usage in electronic health records (EHRs) Key Mechanisms Emojis serve as emotional tone indicators and visual cues in clinician-patient communication. Target Population Patients receiving care through electronic health records. Care Setting Clinical documentation and patient-facing communication.
Key Highlights
Emoji usage in EHRs increased from 1.4 to 10.7 notes per 100,000 from 2020 to 2025. Most emojis were used in patient-facing communications, particularly portal messages and telephone encounters. 89% of emojis were added by clinicians or staff, not patients. Emojis primarily served to convey emotional tone and reassurance. Potential risks include misinterpretation based on age, culture, and digital familiarity. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Health systems should consider guidance for clear communication using emojis in EHRs. Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Emojis may be misinterpreted by patients due to varying backgrounds and experiences. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients interacting with electronic health records and messaging systems.
Emojis may enhance emotional connection but require careful consideration of context.
Clinical Best Practices
Use emojis sparingly and with awareness of patient demographics. Ensure clarity in communication to avoid misinterpretation. References
