EHR Training: A Key Component to Success in 2012

With 2012 a couple weeks away we started thinking about important themes and focal points for the New Year. Of course the usual suspects such as Meaningful Use, ICD-10 and ACOs came to mind, but so did the topic of electronic health record (EHR) training. When you think about it everything hinders in one way or another on adequate EHR training and ultimate EHR use; the launching pad for all EHR-driven benefits is only possible when EHRs are properly leveraged across the health system. And based on the results of the AmericanEHR Partners Survey, released this past fall, we thought that it timely and germane to hear from a physician on their thoughts on the topic of EHR training and best practices for 2012.

EHR Training: Q&A with Dr. Reid Conant, CMIO Tri-City Medical Center – President of Conant and Associates, Inc.

Q: What are the current protocols and standards for physician training on EHRs?

A: Though most organizations do develop standardized approaches, based on best practices and organizational experience, there are some standards worth mentioning.  Based on my experience as a physician user, CMIO, and my work with dozens of organizations in training physicians across all major medical practice environments, I have noted that providers benefit from a few standard elements of EHR training.  First is a workflow-based approach, where the physician trains on the EHR in a similar manner to how they will use it in their future-state utilization.  Changing the providers’ workflow can be a real challenge without the proper use of adjunctive tools such as speech recognition technology or mobility applications and devices.  Secondly, providers need to have frequent and realistic practice scenarios.  These should be intermixed with didactic and lecture material.  Practice makes perfect, and EHR training is no different.  Lastly, providers need ample Go-Live Support, as well as post-go-live Optimization training.  These elements allow for reinforcement of initial classroom-based learning points, and fine-tuning of application utilization.

Q: What are the issues when it comes to efficiently training physicians?

A: Physicians tend to benefit most from a combination of training modalities, including classroom-based training, 1:1 training, Computer-based training and On-The-Job support training.  We recommend employing all of these key types of training strategy in training physicians for a major EHR deployment.  Typically, the basics of key applications can be covered in the classroom setting, followed by 1:1 sessions for deeper-dive specifics and individual customization of workflow elements, as well as agile go-live and post-go-live support.

Q: For physicians themselves, what are some tips for understanding and integrating EHRs?

A: EHR’s are an incredibly valuable tool to assist providers more efficiently and effectively provide patient care and communication of that care to others.  It is in both the providers’ and patients’ best interest that physicians and other providers make the absolute most of any training time available, and invest in the knowledge and familiarity necessary to get the most out of their EHR.  EHR training should be time well spent.  It is up to the trainers of course, to be sure this is the case, but it is also up to the physicians themselves to remain committed to their own successful conversion of practice patterns and utilization of a new EHR.  It is the job of the Clinical Informatics and IS support team to provide every level of support possible to make this possible.

Q: What’s the future of EHR training?

A: Training that would leverage assistive technologies, such as speech recognition, mobility applications and web-based training tools, to help in EHR adoption without sacrificing patient care, time, or money.

Q: What’s the best way for physicians to prepare for training for themselves and their offices?

A:

• Be open minded. Know that where there is a will, there is a way.
• Provide leadership and vision to staff that the EHR will eventually make their lives far easier, and that the learning curve will be quick.  Invest in staff and other provider education and support.  The most costly EHR deployments are those where training is insufficient or unsatisfactory, requiring re-deployment or re-training.  Aim to train and support properly the first time.
• Train providers on tools that will make their jobs easier, such as speech recognition technology and mobility applications.  Offer these as key adjunctive tools to work hand-in-hand with the EHR.
• EHRs are not plug and play and should not be treated as such.  EHRs are being leveraged to drive major improvements and efficiencies and should be treated as such – with appropriate training, understanding and effort all practices will find the best way for EHRs to exist as part of the clinical workflow.
• Know to ask for EHR- assistive technologies to help make the transition as smooth as possible without compromising the patient care/documentation.
  • Know that there are alternatives to point-and-click templates. We must ensure that the patient narrative is captured and preserved and therefore we must adopt workflows that support this effort.