Make your EHR upgrade a success: 4 tips
Does your electronic health record (EHR) solution have an upgrade on the horizon? If so, the key to a successful changeover is planning. Although there may be growing pains involved, healthcare practices that take an organized approach to their EHR upgrade can minimize disruption before, during, and after the process.
By staying up to date on upgrades, your practice can reap the benefits of a more cohesive design experience, streamlined workflows, improved regulatory compliance and data security, and better functionality overall.
An EHR upgrade should cause minimal downtime for your practice, but this may not always be the case. A 2021 MGMA Stat poll found that 82% of practices have a protocol for EHR or PM system downtime. The report cited cyberattacks, natural disasters, and upgrades as examples of possible causes.
So where do I start?
To begin planning for your EHR upgrade, consider existing resources, processes you know work best, and training needs.
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth EHR upgrade:
- Visualize the impact the EHR upgrade will make. What are your practice’s existing workflows and how do you expect the EHR upgrade to influence these processes? You may speak to employees throughout the organization to get a refresher on the role of the EHR in their day-to-day duties. Make these employees aware of changes headed their way and any changes to their process they should make as a result.
- Incorporate training. Your EHR vendor should provide access to education, support, and guidance. Take advantage of these opportunities. Talk to employees to understand the areas where they could use some help. Set and work toward training goals, remembering that the value of the EHR hinges on your employees’ ability to use it efficiently.
- Consider the patient experience. Will the EHR upgrade roll out new features that affect patients? If you anticipate the EHR upgrade will impact patient routines, prepare to notify patients of any changes they can expect.
- Give input to your vendor and get feedback. You should communicate with the vendor throughout the upgrade process and beyond. Maintain the relationship and take advantage of opportunities to share feedback. Your vendor may offer advisory boards or client groups. These can be great opportunities to weigh in. Another way to share direct feedback is to offer to test features early. Your vendor can consider your experiences before it rolls out new features.
What’s the benefit to my practice?
An EHR upgrade can make a significant positive impact on practice operations that ultimately translates to improved patient care. By following these steps, your practice will be in a good position to prepare for and follow through with an upgrade.
Learn More in the Knowledge Center
Effective EHR software works to improve your workflow processes
Understanding the CMS and ONC Cures Act Final Rules
21st Century Cures Act summary: How it impacts your practice
