Getting disparate users onboard while implementing an EHR
BACKGROUND
The client is a large cardiology group based in New Mexico. Each provider had varying degree of computer skills – some loved maintaining their records digitally while few others feared touching even a mobile computing device. The administrator dealt with the challenge of bringing these various stakeholders and staff onboard without disrupting the workflow. Furthermore, the group did not wish to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in a traditional EHR rollout but desired to use advanced technology for the benefit of their patients.
HIGHLIGHTS
The design of enki EHR allows great degree of flexibility that helps us accommodate various kinds of client needs.
1) Rollout within one week. We trained the administrator and key staff members as super users so that they can be available for doctors and nurses whenever they had questions in using the EHR. Additionally, we provided support round the clock that helped doctors quickly get up to speed in using the system.
2) We allowed doctors to be themselves by designing the EHR workflow around their needs. For example, one of the cardiologists wanted to continue using his transcriptionist of 20 years. We rapidly developed new modules and created secure user access to the transcriptionist. enki EHR allows the flexibility to switch off functionalities that are not relevant to a user, which we incorporated in this case. This allowed the doctor to enjoy the benefits of accessing digitized medical records even while not entering the information directly in the system himself.
3) A seamless experience. Various lab interfaces were developed for TriCore Reference Labs and Quest Diagnostics, which allowed the group to get lab results digitally and instantaneously into their iPads and computers.
OUTCOMES
1) The doctors received Meaningful Use Stage 1 incentives despite challenges of using computers.
2) Through our Meaningful Use consultant, the administrator kept track of Meaningful Use and Clinical Quality Measures compliance and guided the doctors to successful completion.
3) The group has successfully been a paperless organization for 3+ years.
4) The group has enjoyed implementing a cloud/mobile EHR without incurring cost over-runs that is typical of traditional EHR rollouts.
