By Jodie Hilliker, Senior Director of EHR Services, DeliverHealth
Twitter: @deliverhs
Everyone knows the power of the EHR and how it has changed healthcare. Even so, nearly half of end users would like everyday use of the EHR to be easier and more efficient.
That’s where training comes in. Any way you slice it, implementing an EHR without an effective training program will almost certainly guarantee a bumpy road to adoption and long-term use. What are the steps to consider when putting together a solid training program during your EHR activation and adoption process? We’ve compiled a simple checklist to help.
1. Consider delivery methodology
Training can be delivered in person or virtually since the pandemic accelerated development of fully virtual programs. Though each method has benefits, best practice is to consider how your team learns. Some people are better suited to online learning while others need the accountability and guidance of an in-person learning session. Bottom line, you must know your audience in order to select the method that promotes optimal learning.
2. Know the challenges you face
Every organization has unique challenges that can’t be anticipated by an out-of-the-box solution. It’s important for you to know what yours are, and how you might mitigate them. For example, do you have personalities who are resistant to training or having their teams trained? Know that in advance and devise a strategy to gain their buy-in. Or do you have a team that is motivated by in-person training but cannot become engaged with an online trainer? Understanding the challenges you face creates an atmosphere for better decisions that lead to strong EHR adoption rates.
3. Assess your requirements to deliver training
Make sure you evaluate all your physical and logistical needs for training. What type of space is available to meet your needs? What type of computer equipment is required? Does your team have the fundamental computer skills needed to take a course or use the EHR? Failure to anticipate such factors can quickly derail a training program.
4. Establish a realistic timeline and take measures to meet it.
It’s all about timing. In this case, setting a realistic timeline for your entire activation and adoption process, including all training, is critical. The average timeline for full training programs is six to eight weeks, but keep in mind that’s just an average. Timeline is dependent on the number of end users and the number of classes needed to train them all. It’s important to know the scope of your project and plan accordingly.
5. Be aware of the tools available in your EHR
EHRs come with resources and tools to help with the adoption process. If used incorrectly, these tools can lead to end-user dissatisfaction and financial loss, neither of which is a desired outcome. Make sure to understand the available tools and how to make the most of them.
The end game in EHR activation and adoption is ensuring your staff are trained and ready to move forward in an efficient, productive manner. Your EHR is a critical investment that deserves the highest attention to detail and planning. Giving thought to these five considerations can set the stage for implementation success.
This article was originally published on the DeliverHealth blog and is republished here with permission.
The Tate Chronicles Talks to DeliverHealth on EHR Services
Check out this special episode of The Tate Chronicles that was recorded live from HIMSS21, where guest host Roberta Mullin talks to Doug Herr the VP EHR Services at DeliverHealth. Doug discusses the recent KLAS ranking of #3 in EHR Activation and Go Live and how they pivoted to meet the needs of their clients during the pandemic. Take a listen!