Electronic Health Record Implementation: A Review of Resources and Tools

Abstract

Implementing an electronic health record (EHR) can be a difficult task to take on and planning the process is of utmost importance to minimize errors. Evaluating the selection criteria and implementation plan of an EHR system, intending interoperability, confidentiality, availability, and integrity of the patient health information data, while ensuring timely, accurate, and regulatory compliant generation of reports is a critical task. This article discusses the selection and implementation plan that will primarily consist of assessing existing institutional workflows for each department, and it outlines the necessities and inclinations of the institution to include in the EHR system for the organization to function properly. Resources and tools are included to assist in the selection of the product as well as ideas on how to train staff and evaluate staff readiness. Regulatory requirements are also included for consideration during the initial process. EHR increases the logistic productivity of workflows and offers a safer way to care for patients. To ensure efficiency, there is a series of steps the provider's staff must follow to ensure proper implementation and handling of the EHR system. Before using the implemented EHR, it is recommended to have a testing protocol in place to ensure areas of possible staff confusion are identified and controlled. Using a proper implementation strategy for a new EHR system can facilitate success, minimize delays, and increase health care worker's satisfaction and decrease the chances of usability being compromised.