Hotkey Definition

(Topic Last Updated On: 05/05/2010)

The Hotkey Definition menu item on the Tools menu launches the Hotkey Definition screen, which is used to define what text or data will be inserted automatically into text fields when the function keys, F1 - F12 are pressed. Free text can be defined for each function key, and/or selections for inserting the current date, current time, and currently retrieved patient's ID number and name. Hotkeys are defined for each user, and once saved can be used on any screen in any free text field.

Field Descriptions

HotKey

This field is used for selecting the hotkey, or function key (F1 - F12) to being defined.

Append Date

If this checkbox is checked, then pressing the associated hotkey will additionally insert the current date following the predefined text.

Append Time

If this checkbox is checked, then pressing the associated hotkey will additionally insert the current time following the predefined text.

Append Client ID

If this checkbox is checked, then pressing the associated hotkey will additionally insert the Patient ID number for the currently retrieved patient following the predefined text.

Append Client Name

If this checkbox is checked, then pressing the associated hotkey will additionally insert the name of the currently retrieved patient following the predefined text.

Text

This field is used for entering predefined text associated with hotkey. Pressing an associated hotkey will insert this text, prior to any Appended data.

Grid Columns

Hot Key

This column displays which function key is being used for each hotkey.

Text

This column displays the predefined text associated with each hotkey.

Procedures

How to Add a Hotkey Definition
1.) Click on New. 2.) Select the function key, F1 - F12, to be defined as a hotkey. 3.) Type the preselected text you would like inserted when the hotkey is pressed the 'Text' field. 4.) (Optional) To append the current date following the preselected text, check the 'Append Date' checkbox. 5.) (Optional) To append the current time following the preselected text, check the 'Append Time' checkbox. 6.) (Optional) To append the currently retrieved patient's ID number following the preselected text, check the 'Append Client ID' checkbox. 7.) (Optional) To append the currently retrieved patient's name following the preselected text, check the 'Append Client Name' checkbox. 8.) Click on Save.

How to Edit a Hotkey Definition
1.) Select the hotkey you wish to edit on the grid. 2.) Click on Edit. 3.) Make changes as needed to the hotkey's detail information. 4.) Click on Save.

How to Delete a Hotkey Definition
1.) Select the hotkey you wish to delete on the grid. 2.) Click on Delete. A 'Delete this Record?' message box will appear, confirming you want to delete the selected hotkey. 3.) Click on Yes.

Considerations

General Use for Hotkeys

Hotkey functionality was added to Methasoft so that repetitive, commonly-used text expressions, phrases, and data can be more quickly entered into Methasoft text fields.

Hotkey Definitions are Defined for Each User

Hotkeys are defined for each user. Often facilities will define a set of hotkeys to be used for each job role, then require each user to set them up accordingly.