EMR Success Factors

Steps to make the EMR a success!

• Exceptional project management and control
  • Ongoing meetings with EMR Committee
  • Establish physician champions
  • Set realistic project management processes
  • Gather appropriate data and perform necessary research

• Effective communication
  • Remind people of the benefits and convenience of an EMR
  • Make sure everyone understands the reason for the change
  • Welcome constructive ideas, reward positive suggestions and discourage any negative attitude or discussion
  • Communicate throughout implementation process of steps taken
  • Check in with staff regularly to offer validation of concerns
  • Communicate ongoing support plan
  • Communicate with providers and staff what is required to get the job done

• Goals Specified
  • Completely understand the current workflow of the office
  • Set specific goals for desired outcomes
  • Success must be defined ahead of time (i.e., EHR Metrics to measure ROI, etc.)

• Strategy for entering the practice’s old data
  • How are you going to add old medications, problems, and allergies?
  • Define a Scanning strategy
  • Full comprehension of project complexity
  • Strong project management team
  • Obtain providers commitment to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
  • Provide users with short overview
  • Understanding what to expect
  • Determine need for temporary staffing

• Training is crucial
  • Demo days
  • Two-to-Four hour training sessions
  • Conduct dry runs/Mock Training
  • Train super users
  • Accessible training materials (webcasts, e-learning)

• Go Live Armed
  • Schedule fewer patients
  • Commit resources