Many healthcare organizations have adopted electronic health records (EHRs) as a way to streamline patient care and simplify processes for care providers. EHR software can help providers better manage care and provide patients with an enhanced experience by delivering accurate, complete and up-to-date information quickly and securely.
Getting The Most Value Out Of Healthcare EHR Software
EHR optimization is the process of refining and enhancing the utilization of EHR software to serve the unique needs of a healthcare organization. The optimization process heavily focuses on clinical productivity and aims to reduce administrative burdens and the amount of time that care providers spend retrieving electronic health records. Optimizing EHR software involves identifying and resolving tech-related issues, improving integrations, and training users to maximize their utilization of the system.
Make Optimization A Collaborative Effort
Any individual or group that has a vested interest in the EHR system should be involved in the optimization process. The perspectives of both clinical staff and administrative staff are important to identifying gaps and opportunities in the system. Many healthcare executives rely on Hartman’s co-sourced IT team to help inform, innovate and integrate tailored IT solutions that aid in the adoption of EHR systems.
Recognize Opportunities To Improve Hardware And Software Solutions
Some organizations struggle after implementing EHR software due to inadequate investment in hardware and software functions. Problems like slow connection speeds, security concerns and unreliability are common. When these types of issues are overlooked during implementation, additional improvements are often required to achieve the desired efficiency and outcomes.
Organizations should also consider integrating certain software functions within their EHR system to improve workflow and efficiency. The creation of a patient portal, the ability to e-prescribe controlled substances, the capture of patient photos to facilitate patient recognition, and similar functions can improve system security as well as the provider and patient experience.
Reevaluate The Existing EHR Workflow
Many healthcare organizations resist change and continue to repeat the same processes, even if they are problematic. Moving from paper-based records to electronic health records comes with a learning curve; however, trying to reproduce an inefficient or custom workflow in the EHR can lead to wasted time and other issues. To get the most out of an EHR system, consider how the organization can capitalize on the range of capabilities available within the EHR software.
Implement Solutions To Reduce The Risk Of Clerical Burnout
One of the most common causes of professional dissatisfaction among care providers is the clerical burden of using an inadequate EHR system. Optimizing healthcare EHR software can help reduce manual and ineffective processes to increase efficiency and improve overall patient care. For example, doctors can use standing orders for common immunizations and tests, allowing clinical support members to play a bigger part in patient care while reducing redundant data entry work.
Legacy EHR software systems do not contain many of the security and enhanced workflow features found on newer EHRs. Longer periods spent performing administrative tasks eats up time with patients, reduces care providers’ productivity and results in a poor return on investment.
Eliminate Unnecessary EHR Tasks
One of the best things that healthcare organizations can do to optimize their EHR software is to eliminate unnecessary tasks and processes that detract from quality patient care. Carefully analyze your organization’s unique environment and identify issues that affect efficiency. For example, do screens time out while doctors are still at their workstations? Consider what tasks and processes provide little to no value to patients and their care teams, and remove or simplify them if possible.
Speak With The Healthcare IT Strategy Consultants at Hartman
Optimizing a healthcare EHR system can help enhance the quality of care that patients receive while also improving productivity. EHR solutions should be tailored to each specific organization for the best outcome.
Hartman Executive Advisors offers an experienced team of healthcare IT leaders that work with many types of health and human services organizations, including specialty practice groups, behavioral health clinics, federally qualified health centers, addiction treatment centers, and more. Hartman helps organizations implement enhanced IT solutions that streamline internal workflow and data accessibility. Contact us today to learn more about Hartman’s IT leadership and advisory services for healthcare organizations.
