Educating Health Professionals, Coursework Example

Introduction

Electronic health records continue to evolve and to expand the scope and breadth of modern healthcare practice in many ways. Essentially, there are thousands and products and derivatives available to hospitals and clinics throughout the world; therefore, healthcare leaders must make decisions regarding the type of system to use that will have the greatest possible impact on patients. This process requires a high level understanding of the functionality of the software and accompanying system requirements in order to make a selection that will best suit an organization and its current level of focus and technological capabilities. Most importantly, it is necessary to develop a strategy that will effectively support the long-term objectives of the organization to provide high quality care and treatment to its patients on a continuous basis. The utilization of electronic health records drives this process in the modern era and supports the continued development of new directions in care and treatment to accommodate patient needs effectively and efficiently.

Since thousands of systems are available with different capabilities and service offerings, it is important to identify those systems that will have the most far-reaching impact and that will enable the development of new perspectives to engage the organization and its employees in advancing high quality care for all patients. Decisions of this nature must be made at the highest possible levels in order to select products that are complementary to existing systems, are cost effective, and that support a framework that will facilitate successful outcomes for patients and to secure the organization’s reputation over the long term. These factors require a high level understanding and acceptance of how to address the importance of electronic health records as part of a larger strategy for long-term success and sustainability. The following discussion will address the importance of selecting the appropriate electronic health records system for an organization in greater detail and will emphasize the importance of developing a system that will best capture the needs of the organization and support its long-term growth and development as the patient population and its strategic objectives evolve in the future. Most importantly, organizations must reflect upon the challenges related to selecting a system that will accommodate their needs effectively and demonstrate a high level understanding of the issues that they might encounter in this arena.

Analysis

Selecting an electronic health records system may be a daunting task, one that requires an evaluation of specific needs and the resources that are required to meet this objective. In a 2014 survey by Kane and Chesanow, 83 percent of those surveyed are currently using an electronic health records system, while four percent are currently implementing a system, six percent plan to buy one over the next one to two years, and seven percent do not plan to use one at all. Of those using a system, 56 percent are hospitals and health systems, while 39 percent are in independent practices (Kane &Chesanow, 2014). Therefore, it is important to identify the specific tools and resources that are required to accommodate patient needs and to improve quality of care within a healthcare facility, both now and in the future.

Hebda & Czar (2013) summarize the life cycle of information technologies and systems that determine the type of system that will be most effective in meeting specific demands, noted in the following steps: 1) Needs assessment; 2) System selection; 3) System implementation; and 4) Maintenance. Each of these steps is required in order to achieve success with the chosen EHR system and to be proactive in maintaining the integrity of the data on a continuous basis, and typically, a steering committee is used to make these decisions and carry out system execution effectively (Hebda & Czar, 2013). To be specific, system requirements may include such factors as system architecture (open system and level of downtime); registration; order entry; medical records; and documentation/billing (Hebda & Czar, 2013). These factors support the development of a system that encompasses the needs and wants of the healthcare organization, based upon the resources that are available to afford and implement the system at the desired level (Hebda & Czar, 2013). These steps require an analysis of the specific considerations of the system and the methods to accomplish these tasks, using specific architecture frameworks as a guide in the decision-making process (Hebda & Czar, 2013).

Once the details regarding the level of need and the specifications have been identified, a request for proposal (RFP) must be developed that will capture these specifications and provide additional insight regarding the needs of the organization in its current state (Hebda & Czar, 2013). The RFP must be clear and concise regarding the organization’s position regarding electronic health records in order to secure a vendor who possesses the appropriate type of product to meet the needs of the organization (Hebda & Czar, 2013). This practice also requires a high level of communication between the members of the steering committee and the vendors who are chosen for further evaluation in order to determine the most effective approach to making a decision that will have the most favorable impact on the organization and its patients (Hebda & Czar, 2013). It is important to identify the specific tools and resources that are required to ensure that patient care needs are effectively met through an electronic health records system and the development of new perspectives to ensure that the system is appropriate and timely in meeting current and future needs (Hebda & Czar, 2013). These practices represent an opportunity to examine how the selection of the RFP is one of the most critical aspects of the process and how it supports the creation of an environment that will embrace change and progress for the organization in its current state (Hebda & Czar, 2013).

There are a number of variations associated with the electronic health record that require further evaluation, as these represent a means of examining the different areas of development that impact organizational success and achievement. The electronic health record offers many benefits to healthcare organizations, such as improved communication, electronic record storage, improved compliance rates, expanded security measures, and reduced length of stay for many patients (Hebda & Czar, 2013). In this capacity, it is important to identify the issues that are most prevalent for patients and their healthcare needs in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to be proactive in meeting patient care requirements through accuracy in record keeping (Hebda & Czar, 2013).

Implementing an electronic health records system also requires a high level understanding of the different areas that impact patients through strategies that link different groups together and promote meaningful use in adopting these records (Hebda & Czar, 2013).  This practice also requires a high level of support and acknowledgement of the different areas that impact patients and that require expert knowledge and resources to ensure that patients receive high quality care and treatment at all times (Hebda & Czar, 2013). When making a decision to implement an electronic health records system, the appropriate timeline must also be identified in order to provide a sense of realism with the program and to determine the best possible method of integrating the chosen system in an effective manner that will contribute to the improvement of patient care outcomes (Hebda & Czar, 2013). With this perspective in mind, it is possible to develop a strategy that encompasses new perspectives to accommodate patients and to be effective in meeting their needs at the desired level (Hebda & Czar, 2013). The organization must be able to demonstrate an important and meaningful understanding of the different elements that capture the attention of individuals and that support the development of a system that encompasses the realistic needs and wants of the organization in its entirety (Hebda & Czar, 2013).

In order to successfully implement an electronic health records system, the end users, including physicians, must be able to identify its true purpose and scope for the organization and its patient population. To be specific, “Physicians need to look at their practices, their

current business model and the workflow in their practice, and decide if an EHR system will be a benefit…An EHR system provides a suite of applications that helps with documentation and billing. But it also can be a very robust tool for patient and population management, tracking patient outcomes, electronic prescribing and even patient modules, so that you can print out customized information for each patient at the point of care. It can make health information exchange easier between practices, hospitals, labs and your colleagues” (Boughton, 2009). Therefore, it is important to identify some of these issues and to determine the type of system that will provide the greatest number of benefits to the organization in its current state (Boughton, 2009).

The emergence of the electronic health record also supports the selection of a system that will capture the attention of the clinical population and support their ability to provide high quality patient care at all times to large numbers of patients (Boughton, 2009). The review of the system must capture the true intent of the electronic health record and its far-reaching benefits for patients, particularly as they seek care and treatment for a variety of conditions that may impact their health in different ways (Boughton, 2009). These considerations must demonstrate a high level understanding and acceptance of the systems that are designated for final review in order to make the decision that will have the greatest possible impact on the organization and its patient population (Boughton, 2009). This process, therefore, requires leadership and steering committee representation so that there are sufficient opportunities to achieve the desired results with the system that is selected.

The two systems to be considered are the following: 1) McKesson, an electronic health records system to improve overall performance in the clinical environment; and 2) Epic, with the ability to integrate information to promote effective clinical and financial solutions (McKesson, 2014; Epic, 2014). The McKessonsoftware examines electronic health records with a high level of efficiency and technical support through high performance objectives and clinical support (McKesson, 2014). This system facilitatesa far-reaching and complex impact that will also support the organization’s objectives as its overall strategic needs change in the future due to continuous changes to clinical workflow that impact patient care and treatment in many ways (McKesson, 2014).

Another system that offers numerous benefits related to electronic health record implementation was created by Epic, a system with a forward-thinking approach and a personal health record system known as Lucy (2014). This system provides a patient-centered approach that is effective in meeting the demands of the patient population through increased interconnectivity and other opportunities (Epic, 2014). EpicCare provides an electronic approach to inpatient care that supports increased efficiency and mobility in advancing system knowledge and resources (Epic, 2014). In this context, the system provides a strong approach to workflow in order to accomplish the desired tasks and objectives (Epic, 2014).

Making the final decision regarding which electronic health record system to use requires an understanding of the different specifications from a technical level and also a cost-benefit analysis of the system and its value for the organization. In a general context, the chosen system reflects the following potential benefits for its users: “Health professionals who understand how EHR features and functions may facilitate medical errors (i.e. a technology-induced error) will be able to identify potential risks associated with a technology’s use and report on these risks to the information technology management department of a hospital, a vendor, or a government body so that the technology can be modified to improve its safety” (Borycki, Joe, Armstrong, Bellwood, & Campbell, 2011, p. 55). In this context, it is important to identify the specific tools and resources that are necessary to support patient needs and to reflect upon the different specifications that will support patient care knowledge and a professional understanding of the numerous benefits of these systems (Borycki et.al, 2011).

An organization must be prepared to select a system that will provide the most value for the money that is spent and that also supports a new generation of success to ensure that patient care is not compromised at the expense of lower cost alternatives that may not provide the desired level of support. As a result, the selection of an electronic health records system is of critical importance and requires a level of support and acknowledgement that will enhance outcomes for the organization over the long term. The future of this system must also be compatible with new regulatory requirements; therefore it must be flexible in nature and support an agenda that is entirely based upon patient care quality and not for personal gain.

Conclusion

In response to the challenge to implement an electronic health records system within an organization, it is important to select a system with the desired components, a high level of flexibility, a compatible interface, a strong reputation for excellence, and an affordable cost. Therefore, the optimal choice for the organization is the McKesson system because it has a strong and resilient reputation and is already in existence at the organization. This is a good fit for the organization because of the level of experience with the system, as well as the patterns that have developed since its implementation that have produced positive outcomes and have supported a greater cohesiveness in supporting patient care quality.

An organization must examine its priorities with respect to the selection of an electronic health records system so that it is compatible with current objectives, yet is flexible in order to meet future needs. This process will encourage the development of new directions in the practice environment and enhanced communication in order to accommodate patient care needs and improve quality over time. These efforts are instrumental in shaping outcomes and in supporting the demand for services that require the organization’s full attention and focus, including the electronic health record so that patients receive the best possible quality of care at a comprehensive level.

In comparing the organizational decision-making process with the information provided by the HIMSS (2014), it is important to utilize the latter in order to determine which products have the best reputation and are also cost effective in meeting the needs of the patient population. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the specifications of the systems supported by the group and to determine if they are congruent with the organization’s current resources and knowledge base. In addition, the website offers guidance regarding news and information in the world of electronic health records in order to make effective informed decisions in this capacity, including current trends within the field and in other areas of evaluation. However, the final decision to use McKesson was made by the management team and was based upon the cost of the system, its overall reputation, and willingness to install an electronic health records system that will have a far-reaching and permanent impact on patient care quality and resource utilization at the organization.

References

Borycki, E., Joe, R. S., Armstrong, B., Bellwood, P., & Campbell, R. (2011). Educating health professionals about the electronic health record (EHR): Removing the barriers to adoption. Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal (KM&EL), 3(1), 51-62.

Boughton, B. (2009). Choosing and implementing electronic health records: an expert interview with Michael Barr, MD, FACP. Medscape Medical News, pp. 1-2.

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals,             Fifth Edition. Boston: Pearson.

HIMSS HER Association (2014). Home page. Retrieved from http://www.himssehra.org/ASP/index.asp

Kane, L., &Chesanow, N. (2014). Medscape EHR report 2014. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/public/ehr2014?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=64599FR#4

McKesson (2014). Home page. Retrieved from http://www.mckesson.com/