Question

Implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in a hospital is a process that requires many stages. Explain the different stages that need to be followed for successful implementation of the EHR.

Answer: 500 Words.

Answer 1

Implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a multi-step process that will impact all staff members. As with any new process, a learning curve is involved.

ten essential steps to take for a successful EHR Implementation.

1) BUILD YOUR ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD (EHR) IMPLEMENTATION TEAM

As you implement your EHR, you’ll need a strong team to help the process go as smoothly as possible. The team can include staff members such as physicians, nurses, medical assistants and administrative staff. Team members will assist the process by teaching colleagues EHR skills and serving as messengers to the implementation team to identify challenges along the way.

2) PREPARE THE SOFTWARE   

When implementing your EHR, ensure security measures are met to not violate HIPPA. Your organization may need to conduct a HIPPA risk assessment. You can work with your health IT vendor to make sure the software is compliant.  

3) DETERMINE YOUR HARDWARE NEEDS   

Your hardware choices will have a significant impact on the time and money your practice uses. For example, having a printer in every room can save physicians up to 30 minutes a day. Some practices provide each staff member with their own tablet or laptop to save time logging in and out between each patient interaction.  

4) CONSIDER THE PATIENT TREATMENT ROOM LAYOUT   

As the EHR program requires electronic data entry, the room layout can have a substantial impact on patient engagement and satisfaction.

5) TRANSFER DATA

Once your hardware and software are ready to go, the next step in EHR implementation is to transfer the data. To begin, you’ll need to determine how to migrate data from your former record system to your new EHR.

There are a couple ways to do this step. You can assign existing staff, or hire additional or temporary staff to upload information into the new EHR.

6) CREATE WORKFLOWS

Speaking of process, now is the time to get solid workflows in place. It is vital to establish workflows prior to EHR implementation to decrease the amount of stress your team will face.

Consider these questions as you create workflows:

• Is this necessary?
• Does this add value for the patient?
• Does this increase efficiency for the staff?
• Is this the right order?
• Is the right person doing this step?

7) WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR EHR IS DOWN

As with any type of technology, you must be prepared for the occasional glitch. Start by brainstorming issues and come up with a solid game plan for how to handle potential problems.

8) HAVE A TRAINING PROGRAM IN PLACE

Extensive training is imperative to ensure success with EHR implementation. Create a training plan so that all physicians and staff, current and future, can gain the knowledge and skills to use the EHR successfully when you are ready to launch.  

9) DECIDE ON LAUNCH APPROACH – “BIG BANG” OR INCREMENTAL?

Once your EHR implementation plan is ready to go, it’s time to decide how to launch. There are typically two ways to do this, all at once, the “Big Bang” or slowly, in an incremental approach.

10) GATHER FEEDBACK FOR CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

Implementing an EHR is a multi-step process that requires advanced planning. Use these steps to help make the transition as smooth as possible.