What allows for free-text documentation over specified placeholders?

Wildcards are a powerful tool that allow for free-text documentation over specified placeholders in electronic health record (EHR) systems. When using wildcards, clinicians can enter data into predefined fields without being restricted to rigid formats. Wildcards can represent various data points or characters, making it easier to integrate free-text notes while still maintaining the structured format of a document.

This feature enables healthcare providers to capture additional context and individualized patient information that might not be covered by standard templates or structured data entry. By utilizing wildcards, users can enhance the richness of the documentation while ensuring essential data points are preserved in the EHR.

In contrast, smart phrases and smart text refer to pre-defined snippets of text or templates that can be inserted quickly into documentation, often used to improve efficiency but do not specifically allow for free-text entries over placeholders. Templates provide a structured framework for documentation but may limit the flexibility needed for personalized notes, making wildcards the most suitable choice for this question.