5 EHR Implementation Tips and Tricks You Should Know

Looking for an EHR or any healthcare Information technology can be highly overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. The only thing you know for certain is what processes/workflows aren’t working in your practice up to this point. Whether you’ve already had an EHR and are looking to switch or implement an EHR from scratch, this help will help you find the right EHR for your practice through 5 EHR implementation hacks. 

An EHR software is an integral part of your practice. However, every practice’s needs and requirements are different. So, naturally, implementation for your EHR software would also vary. In this article, here are some of the things we’ll go over in your EHR implementation:

An EHR software is an integral part of your practice. However, every practice’s needs and requirements are different. So, naturally, implementation for your EHR software would also vary. In this article, here are some of the things we’ll go over in your EHR implementation:

• Choose a Partner, Not a Product
• Build Your EHR Team
• Conduct a Workflow Analysis
• Embrace Change
• Train and Retrain!

Read on to find out how to choose and successfully implement EHR software for your practice.

5 EHR Implementation Hacks

1) Choose a Partner, Not A Product

As a provider, you should start your EHR search for the perfect healthcare solution by making a list of all the services you need in your practice. One of the biggest mistakes users make is that they don’t account for the quality of services they are assessing. You can buy great technology, but if the vendor does not offer the necessary support, then chances are it won’t help your practice. 

As the provider, you need an EHR that provides all the services you need and does so effectively. In an ideal case, your EHR partner should offer quality, accessible, and effective U.S.-based customer support that is available to answer your questions throughout your EHR implementation journey. Moreover, they offer face-to-face support during the technical implementation phase, making it easy for your team to learn the new technology. 

On the other hand, some vendors leave you on your own during your EHR implementation process, making the process even more difficult.

Also Read: 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Your EMR Software in 2021

 

2) Build Your EHR Implementation Team

It takes a strong team to get your EHR up and running, so make sure you have one. A typical physician-led team is made of professionals such as nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff members. During the implementation process, team members will help you learn necessary skills and serve as messengers to the implementation team to identify any challenges along the way.

While building your team, you must consider three critical roles: lead superuser, lead physician, and project manager.

Lead Super User

The lead superuser is the resident in-house EHR expert. A few important duties may include developing workflows and template creation. The position may also be responsible for developing standard operating procedures for dealing with problems encountered by users as they use the system.  

Lead Physician

Lead physicians serve as a bridge between front-line personnel and technical staff during EHR implementation by linking the system and the front-line personnel. As the lead physician, consider using a tech-savvy physician who is enthusiastic about the new process.

Project Manager

The project manager will become the main point of contact with the EHR vendor and staff. The project manager will also help everyone focus on implementation timelines, track progress, and deal with user issues.  

3) Conduct a Workflow Analysis

EHR implementation involves more than just downloading new software or learning how to utilize new technology. The best way to get your team ready to have a successful EHR implementation is to analyze your workflows. Understanding how your practice works can help you to eliminate time-consuming work and excessive/duplicate documentation. 

Once the areas of inefficiency have been identified, you and your software partner can tailor your software to improve on them and your EHR implementation.

When conducting a workflow analysis, ask yourself these questions, among others:

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

4) Embrace Change

Your team will experience a lot of strain during EHR implementation. It’s difficult for many people to accept change, even if the transition occurs smoothly. Although it will benefit the practice overall, your staff will probably find it difficult to adopt a new EHR without expressing grief or frustration. This is why you need to collaborate with your entire team throughout the EHR implementation to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

You can do this by being approachable and accepting of their frustrations and being supportive whenever possible. In this area, your software partner can help or hurt the transition process. A software partner should work closely with your staff to better understand the tool being used so that employees can ask questions. By ensuring this positive growth and learning atmosphere among your team, you will improve your EHR implementation.

5) Train and Retrain!

A successful EHR implementation requires quality and in-depth training. This training will give your employees confidence that they can do their jobs well, help them find their way to their workflow, better understand how to leverage their time, and help them do their jobs more efficiently. During the implementation of your EHR, your software vendor should offer on-site support and US-based customer support. To ensure each staff member has the support and skills they need to succeed, identify their roles and their workflows together.

You can learn why software selection is crucial to ensuring a successful EHR implementation by clicking here.