Multitasking has the effect of increasing perceived workload whilst decreasing work throughput and increasing the error rate.

Through training it is possible to become efficient in doing two tasks seemingly simultaneously, in this case, anamnesis and note-taking. Nevertheless true multitasking is not proven, and switching occurs instead, the trained person simply responds quicker to certain stimuli.

Multitasking might also be the source of frustration and contributing factor to the reported depression.

Of course the documentation work can be rationalized and tools can be developed to help this, but there is also room for improvement on the work of the doctors, revealed by the lack of standardization reported in the article.