When implementing an EHR system, there are many critical steps essential to both a successful implementation and a long-term relationship with your provider. Based on our experience, here are some important items to keep in mind:
∙ Ask questions and encourage your staff to do the same. The course of your implementation, and the customizations to be delivered, will be driven by you, the customer.
∙ Invest in initial, go-live and follow-up training. The value of an EHR system can only be realized if users possess a thorough understanding of the features and operation of the application.
∙ Practice with the tablet you will be using to record clinical data. The tablet may be very different from devices you are accustomed to using. Reviewing tablet tutorials and taking sufficient time to become comfortable using it will reduce stress and contribute to a more comfortable transition to the new system.
∙ Designate at least two people as EHR “Champions”. These people will be your in-house experts. They will be the first to field questions and identify potential problems. They will also serve as the primary points of contact with your vendor’s support team.
∙ Be prepared to answer questions about your clinical workflow to enable your vendor team to best tailor the system for your facility’s needs.
∙ Prepare and plan for change, challenge and disruption. Learning a comprehensive EHR system and incorporating the system into your workflow requires a substantial investment of time. There will inevitably be setbacks, but preparation can minimize their impact on your day-to-day operations.
∙ Choose quality. Invest in quality hardware and service plans to minimize the expense and disruption of excessive down-time.
∙ Be aware of the need to incorporate wireless networking security. Tablets are wireless devices. Ensure that your IT department or vendor implements sufficient security to protect your wireless network from intrusion.
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