10 Tips for Successful EHR Implementation
The successful implementation of an EHR system is a huge undertaking for any healthcare organization. It requires careful planning, organizational buy-in, and a major investment of time and resources. It’s no wonder that so many organizations struggle with EHR implementation.
To help you set your organization up for success, we’ve compiled a list of 10 tips for successful EHR implementation:
1. Define your goals and objectives
Before you can even begin to implement EHR systems, you need to know what you want to achieve with it. Do you want to improve patient care? Reduce costs? Increase efficiency? All of the above?
Be as specific as possible when defining your goals and objectives. This will help you create a plan that is tailored to your organization’s needs and make it more likely that you’ll achieve the results you’re after.
2 Get buy-in from all stakeholders
EHR implementation is not something that should be undertaken lightly. It’s a major undertaking that will have a significant impact on every aspect of your organization. As such, it’s important to get buy-in from all stakeholders before moving forward.
This includes clinicians, staff, administrators, and most importantly, patients. Without buy-in from all parties, your EHR implementation is likely to fail.
3. Create a dedicated implementation team
EHR implementation is too big and complex to be left to a single individual or department. You’ll need a dedicated team of individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to see the project through.
This team should include representatives from all areas of the organization, including IT, finance, clinical, and administrative.
4. Develop a comprehensive plan
An EHR implementation is not something that can be done on the fly. You need a comprehensive plan that covers all aspects of the project, from start to finish.
This plan should include milestones, timelines, budgets, and assigned tasks. It should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project stays on track.
5. Make sure you have the necessary resources
An EHR implementation requires a significant investment of time and resources. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary staff, budget, and equipment to see the project through.
If you don’t have the internal resources to devote to an EHR implementation, consider partnering with an outside firm that specializes in healthcare IT.
6. Set realistic expectations
An EHR implementation is a major undertaking that will have a significant impact on your organization. It’s important to set realistic expectations for the project and manage everyone’s expectations accordingly.
Keep in mind that an EHR implementation is not a quick fix. It will take time for your organization to adjust to the new system and realize the full benefits.
7. Train your staff
Your staff will need to be properly trained on how to use the new EHR system. This training should be comprehensive and cover all aspects of the system, from basic navigation to more advanced features.
It’s also important to make sure that your staff is comfortable using the system before going live. Schedule plenty of time for training and allow your staff to test out the system in a safe, non-production environment.
8. Go live in phases
Don’t try to go live with your EHR system all at once. Instead, implement the system in phases, starting with a small group of users and gradually expanding to include more users as you become more comfortable with the system.
This phased approach will help you avoid overwhelming your staff and minimize disruptions to patient care.
9. Monitor and adjust as needed
After you go live with your EHR system, it’s important to closely monitor the system and make adjustments as needed. This includes addressing any issues that arise, making changes to the system based on feedback from users, and adding new features and functionality over time.
10. Be prepared for bumps in the road
No matter how well you plan, there will always be some bumps in the road during an EHR implementation. Be prepared for these setbacks and have a plan in place to address them.
Keep in mind that an EHR implementation is a major undertaking. It’s important to take your time, do your homework, and plan for the worst. By following these tips, you can set your organization up for success.
