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Stephen O'Connor

By: Stephen O'Connor on August 3rd, 2012

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5 Tips on Successfully Implementing an EHR System

Electronic Health Records

doctor

With the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) systems, health care providers are finding that the initial investment of converting and adjusting to an electronic process is paying off. According to a recent survey conducted by Accenture on the benefits of Healthcare IT, almost 58% of U.S. doctors report improved coordination of care across various settings and service boundaries, and roughly 55% report a decrease in medical errors. With results like these, it's no wonder that medical centers everywhere are shifting toward EHR.

If your facility is converting to electronic medical records software, how can you make the implementation process a success? Here are the top five tips to ensure a smooth transition.

1. A phased transition 

Defining stages of the implementation process and assigning specific roles within the organization will help set people's expectations and keep them involved along the way. At each level, master everything involved before advancing to the next step.

2. Removing barriers to adoption

Psychological barriers can be the largest obstacle; many clinicians feel intimidated by the shift to computers. An open environment that invites dialogue and interaction can involve staff members in brainstorming ways to adapt to the new system. Next, the infrastructure needs to be examined to ensure that the hardware is sufficient to meet software and traffic needs.

3. Conducting a workflow assessment

Incorporating new electronic health records will change workflow; it's unavoidable. Conducting a workflow study before beginning implementation will help to anticipate changes brought about by the software.

4. Customizing the applications for your requirements

Since every practice has individual workflow patterns and needs, choose medical software that can be customized to fit your organization. Look for the flexibility to tweak the system both during implementation and to meet future changes.

5. Strong training and support

Great training sessions dispel misconceptions about electronic health records and set users at ease with the new process. During implementation, providing customized training for various staff roles and competencies will help clinicians to master relevant procedures before using the EHR in practice.

Key Takeaways:

These five tips provide a starting point for implementing an electronic medical records system with medical billing software and practice management software.

  • Plan a phased transition
  • Remove barriers to adoption
  • Conduct a workflow assessment prior to implementation
  • Customize the applications for your organization's requirements
  • Provide staff with strong training and support

Need Help?

Do you have questions regarding electronic health records?  Click here to contact us! 

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*Photo courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

About Stephen O'Connor

Stephen O'Connor is the Director of Brand and Digital Marketing, responsible for many aspects of Advanced Data Systems Corporation’s (ADS) marketing, including product marketing, customer acquisition, demand generation, brand, brand design, and content marketing.

Stephen has more than 20 years of healthcare industry experience. Prior to ADS, Stephen spent 11 years at Medical Resources Inc. (MRI), most recently as the Manager of Marketing & Internet Services, where he and his teams were responsible for all marketing efforts and the market positioning of MRI’s services.

Stephen spends his day's planning, writing, & designing resources for the modern healthcare professional.