Attendees at The Institute for Health Technology Transformation’s Spring Summit last week got a lot of valuable lessons learned and best practices to take back to their healthcare organizations. Those who weren’t there can still run with the takeaways.
Rick Moore, CIO for the National Committee for Quality Assurance, said healthcare providers have to know how to use EMRs and practice management systems in order to get the best clinical and financial results. Sounds simple, right? It’s not, actually. Human nature and the speed with which we are working under demand shortcuts and Cliff Notes. We’re working so fast we can’t slow down. For those of you who are PC users, how much functionality do you use, know how to use, or even know it exists of, say Microsoft Word? For many, we know enough to get by. The federal stimulus incentive deadlines don’t help matters. But healthcare providers need to take the time to carefully pick a system and go through thorough education and training. Slowing down is painful, but necessary.
Lisa K. Rawlins, executive director of the South Florida Regional Extension Center, emphasized that project and change management is necessary. It’s true, and it can’t be over-emphasized. It probably pays in the long run to get a consultant (after doing a thorough due diligence process) to help with the necessary changes. It can’t be done internally (maybe I’m wrong about this) because it’s such a huge learning curve and pain point, and you need an objective, third-party source with the core competency in change management.
John Lovelock, vice president of research for Gartner, stressed collaboration between vendor and provider. Always keep the communications going with your vendor. You know your organization better, so make sure the IT is aligned with your organization’s goals. Part of the due diligence in finding an EHR or EMR vendor is determining how well the vendor listens to your organization’s needs and concerns.
These points have been made before, but good students always rehash best practices.
Patty Enrado blogs daily at EHRWatch.com.
