In a study published within the Annals of Family Medicine, researchers on the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine discover transformative effects of electronic health record (EHR) optimization on departmental productivity. With the universal implementation of EHR systems, the study sheds light on the importance of collaborative efforts between clinicians and data technology (IT) experts in maximizing the potential of those digital tools.
The study, led by a team of health care professionals in a family medicine department, launched into a department-wide EHR optimization initiative in collaboration with IT specialists over a four-month period. Unlike previous efforts that primarily focused on institutional-level successes, this study delved deep into the intricacies of EHR interface development and its impact on clinical workflow.
“There was a longstanding disconnect between EHR developers and end-users, leading to interfaces that usually fail to capture the intricacies of clinical workflows,” said Adam M. Franks, M.D., interim chair of family and community health on the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and lead researcher on the study. “Our study aimed to bridge this gap and show the tangible advantages of collaborative optimization efforts.”
The methodology involved an intensive quality improvement process engaging clinicians and clinical staff in any respect levels. 4 categories of optimizations emerged: accommodations (adjustments made by the department to suit EHR workflows); creations (novel workflows developed by IT); discoveries (previously unnoticed workflows inside the EHR); and modifications (changes made by IT to existing workflows).
Key findings from the study showed significant improvements in productivity: The optimization efforts led to remarkable enhancements in departmental productivity. Monthly charges increased from 0.74 to 1.28, while payments surged from 0.83 to 1.58. Although monthly visit ratios also increased from 0.65 to 0.98, the change was not statistically significant.
The study also revealed that a big variety of solutions to EHR usability issues were already embedded inside the system, emphasizing the necessity for thorough exploration and understanding of existing workflows.
Finally, accommodation optimizations underscored the need for higher collaboration between EHR developers and end-users before implementation, highlighting the potential for more user-centric design approaches.
“Our study not only demonstrates the efficacy of departmental collaboration with IT for EHR optimization but in addition underscores the importance of detailed workflow evaluation in enhancing productivity,” Franks said.
The research provides invaluable insights for health care institutions aiming to maximise the potential of their EHR systems, with implications for improving patient care, efficiency and overall organizational performance.
