The Electronic Health Record – Challenges and Solutions

The Electronic Health Record – Challenges and Solutions

The electronic health record has eased medical record review and medical claims review. Here is a look at some EHR challenges and solutions.

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The electronic health record has been implemented in the vast majority of healthcare organizations, and there have been many challenges. However, there have also been many benefits – improved care coordination, improved patient care and patient satisfaction. Processes such as medical peer review and chart review have become much easier. The systems implemented are being updated periodically in keeping with new technologies. What are the most common challenges associated with the electronic health record?

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The cost associated with EHR implementation is rather heavy, and according to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the cost of purchasing and installing an EHR system ranges from $15,000 to $70,000 per provider. These expenses include setting up the hardware, software, implementation assistance, training for staff, network fees and regular maintenance.

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Your existing staff may resist the implementation mainly out of inhibition to transition to a new system. There are providers and other clinical staff who are sceptical about the effectiveness of electronic health records and may hesitate to give up the documentation practices they are used to. Sometimes, the clinical and support staff may have inhibitions about the new technologies and their efficacy.

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Another major challenge when implementing a new EHR system is reduction in the productivity of staff, reduced number of patients seen, and reduced workflow efficiency. You may have to prepare to invest in additional support as well. Even in practices that have already implemented an EHR system, the staff may continue to use old systems or avoid using the system effectively. They may continue to use old systems and avoid using the new systems. They may continue to write down patient information and data instead of logging their notes into the system. This would lead to increased work and consume more time. Moreover, if the staffs are continuing to utilize their old methods, the objectives of EHR cannot be achieved.

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Clinicians may find it difficult to adapt to an EHR that does not fit into an organization’s existing work flows. Flaws in the design or the lack of training could affect the ease of using the software.

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Data privacy issues are another major problem. Stakeholders may be concerned about the privacy of patient data and HIPAA compliance. If there is a data breach, the organization could get into a legal hassle and spend millions of dollars to settle the dispute.

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Data migration is another issue associated with the electronic health record. It involves logistics issues and any data entry required can become tedious and time intensive. Moreover, the data to be migrated is private and sensitive and

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must be migrated accurately to ensure continued patient care. Also, organizations may have to maintain

old legacy systems for

many

years

even

after

implementing a new system due to legal and record access reasons.

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EHR systems are as yet not able to seamlessly exchange healthcare information among diverse providers. This is frustrating for organizations trying to implement the system.

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Lack of communication between providers and IT vendors can lead to problems.

Only with excellent communication can the system be customized to provide the desired results.

How can organizations address these challenges effectively?

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The EHR implementation process must be delivered with a good promotion and marketing plan.

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All stakeholders must understand that EHR implementation is an ongoing process and the focus is on meeting the expectations of everyone using the system.

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Vendors should ensure that all concerns and feedback of the provider are addressed appropriately.

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The staff must understand that the new system will introduce a better business model and ensure them improved job satisfaction.

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Organizations can consider hiring a healthcare consultant to provide support during the implementation process, and also hire temporary staff to carry out more routine work duties.

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Regarding data, it is important to prioritize records to determine how far back the data should be migrated. The most recent information should be available in the system. One person can be assigned the task of uploading all the new information that is delivered on paper or via fax.

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Delegate duties and responsibilities for team members. Ensure that the team has contingency plans too.

No doubt, EHR systems will ease medical record analysis and such other processes medical and legal entities require. The present-day healthcare system is value-based and therefore the patient is at the centre. The needs of the patient must be given top consideration when implementing new systems.

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