Communicate, communicate, communicate…
Always communicate extensively with the staff about which phase of the adoption path the EHR implementation is in. Also, as the practice gets to actual implementation, the practice should begin thinking about how it plans to communicate this change to the patients. Within the practice, a well-defined communication plan should be in place that provides a framework for informing, involving, and obtaining buy-in from all participants throughout the duration of the project. Again, Process Teams or Staff Meetings should occur at clearly defined intervals on a regular basis. When training needs have been assessed, a Training Plan that meets the staff’s needs should be clearly communicated to all members of the practice.
Even after establishing and supporting the various avenues of communication, the practice must continue to reevaluate its current needs. Add maturity to the communication processes by creating robust training procedures that are standard and repeatable. This material can then be tailored to meet the specific needs and specialties of the practice as it evolves.
Physician Champions
Finally, physician practices should have clinical leaders or “champions.” The concept of a physician as champion is important in effectively adopting an EHR. Having EHR champion(s) who will lead the communication strategy is essential and displays that they believe in the benefits of EHR adoption.
What does it mean to be a physician champion?
- Lead by example by doing the work and demonstrating to others it can be done
- Help others move through the cultural change process
- Share what they learn to professional colleagues
- Exhibit enthusiasm, patience, and professionalism
- Communicate a consistent message to all staff; both clinical and non-clinical
- Speak with an passionate voice about the EHR implementation and what it holds for everyone involved
- Show commitment: If the physicians are not on-board then the rest of the staff will be hesitant to support it as well
Making a commitment to incorporate teamwork and communication as part of the EHR implementation project is critical to the success of the project; and collaboration, as an integral part of culture change, is an essential part of the EHR implementation plan. While nothing can guarantee success, lack of teamwork, collaboration and communication will certainly advance failure.
This article post first appeared on Michael Crosnick’s blog, Mike on Healthcare. Mike is an EHR Project Manager at Integrated Healthcare Solutions and a past Project Manager of PMO at Tenet Healthcare.