by Marla Cybul, RNC MBA | Dec 12, 2015 | Electronic Health Records, Physician Stress, Quality Care
Much time and effort is expended in the EHR selection, implementation and deployment process but too infrequently are providers asked how the EHR is helping or hindering them. What can the vendors do to enhance this process? At times, we need to be reminded to take a step back and remember that healthcare needs to be safely and effectively provided. The onslaught of new technology can affect providers and patients in both positive and negative ways. Here are 5 questions and examples of the potential impacts:
Q. What are the positive impacts the EHR has had on your practice?
A. Providers often note increased collaboration with other providers and more thorough documentation of care events.
Q. What, if any, are the negative impacts the EHR has had on your patients?
A. Not having eye-to-eye contact with patient when interviewing and documenting has become a necessary side-effect of using the technology in the examination room. Providers find the need to force themselves to look up from the screen to establish a visual connection with the patient.
Q. What are the positive impacts the EHR has had on your workflow?
A. It is much easier to find information needed and to have that information presented in a way that is meaningful and trackable.
Q. What are the negative impacts the EHR has on your workflow?
A. It is more difficult to complete documentation in a timely manner. Providers may find, especially in the early implementation stages, it takes more time to document visits.
Q. What actionable ideas do you have that could enhance the EHR for your patients and your practice?
A. Easier access for patients, such as the use of private kiosks in the office would allow patients to update their information privately prior to appointment and with a staff member to help if necessary.
All new technology has pros and cons. Clinically, financially and for population health success, the use of EHRs can and does push practices to deliver better care. With proper usage and workflow, providers can adapt and improve so all patients can realize better outcomes.
by Marla Cybul, RNC MBA | Nov 16, 2015 | Electronic Health Records, Quality Care
Today, so much of healthcare seems to be about the technology available to provide more cost effective and safer care to our at-risk patients, such as those on Medicaid. At times, we need to be reminded to take a step back and remember healthcare is about our patients. The onslaught of new technology can affect patients in both positive and negative ways. Below are 5 ways that may not be apparent at first glance:
Patients are unaware of the astounding amounts of information that is available within their EHR that may be able to impact their quality of life
While some patients are hesitant to share information freely, the open sharing of health information with appropriate providers can help make great strides in an individual’s health status.
As patients share reliable information, providers are able to create and collaborate to facilitate the best plan of care
Collaborative care plans yield better results and a more personal approach to treatment. Without shared information, the best care plans cannot be created.
Providers have the ability to track their care and thus provide the services necessary for a positive outcome
Patients who cannot make it to an appointment or are more concerned with finding food or a place to sleep may put those priorities ahead of having a needed procedure. Healthcare information access can uncover patient needs that go beyond those that are purely medical.
Patients are uninformed of the education they can utilize through their EMR
Patients can access specific articles and data directly related to their care and become active partners in their own treatments. Research is clear that outcomes improve when patients have ownership of their own health.
Patients are unfamiliar with the patient portal and how valuable communicating with their providers can affect their care
Faster, more efficient communication is possible when patients take advantage of options provided by the patient portals. Too few utilize this important resource that is provided free, often as a result of Meaningful Use requirements.
Do you remember to keep the “care” in healthcare or does the data too often cause you to look at patients as cases and treatments as events?
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