Ethical Healthcare’s electronic patient record (EPR) Domain Lead, Jennifer Dunne, has used her extensive experience of EPR procurement and implementation to write a 6-step guide to support those on their EPR journey.
In step 6, Jennifer outlines how to drive success with EPR optimisation.
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Step 6: Optimisation
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, EPR solutions have emerged as a game-changer, revolutionising patient care and streamlining operations.
However, to fully unlock the potential of these solutions, continuous optimisation is imperative.
Unveiling the problem areas
Despite the numerous advantages of EPR solutions, organisations often encounter certain challenges during implementation and optimisation:
- User adoption: Clinical and operational staff may find it challenging to embrace new technology, especially if they are accustomed to legacy solutions. Overcoming resistance and encouraging acceptance are crucial for successful EPR optimisation.
- Inefficiencies in workflows: Integrating an EPR solution into existing workflows can sometimes lead to inefficiencies and disruptions in daily operations. Optimisation efforts must address these pain points to ensure seamless processes and improved efficiency.
- Customisation and personalisation: Not all EPR solutions cater to the specific needs and workflows of every healthcare organisation. Customisation options may be limited, hindering organisations from fully utilising the EPR solution’s potential.
Inclusion of ongoing optimisation in the Full Business Case (FBC)
To truly harness the transformative power of EPR solutions, healthcare organisations must acknowledge the importance of ongoing optimisation from the outset.
Incorporating a budget for continuous enhancement in the FBC alongside Business as Usual (BAU) operations is a strategic decision with several advantages:
- Long-term value: EPR solutions are a long-term investment. By allocating funds for ongoing optimisation, organisations can continually adapt the solution to meet evolving needs and industry standards, ensuring long-term value and relevance.
- Rapid enhancements and adoption: Quick enhancements to the EPR solution facilitate a smooth learning curve for clinical and operational staff. High adoption rates, in turn, lead to a faster realisation of benefits and better patient care outcomes.
- Staying ahead in digital healthcare: With technology evolving rapidly, ongoing optimisation keeps healthcare organisations at the forefront of digital healthcare advancements. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Empowering staff for success
Learning and education is a fundamental pillar of EPR optimisation. Clinical and operational staff must embrace the “art of the possible” and continuously learn how to utilise the EPR solution effectively.
Two things are required to achieve this:
- Regular training and skill development: Ongoing training sessions and skills development workshops equip staff with the necessary knowledge and expertise to utilise the EPR solution optimally.
- Personalised support: Providing personalised support to staff members ensures that their unique needs and challenges are addressed, fostering a positive user experience.
BAU processes and change management
EPR optimisation extends beyond the digital aspect. Focusing on BAU processes, including change management, is equally vital for driving continuous improvement.
Key considerations include:
- Process review and improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving BAU processes in conjunction with EPR optimisation leads to streamlined operations and enhanced patient care.
- Change management strategies: Implementing effective change management strategies helps address staff concerns, minimise resistance, and facilitate a smooth transition to the EPR solution.
Conclusion
EPR optimisation is an ongoing journey that demands a multi-faceted approach.
Identifying and addressing problem areas, as well as allocating a budget for ongoing optimisation in the FBC, is essential for unlocking the full potential of EPR solutions. By empowering clinical and operational staff through learning and education and integrating change management with BAU processes, organisations can ensure high adoption rates and realise the benefits of EPR implementation.
As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing EPR optimisation is not just a strategic decision but a commitment to delivering the best possible patient care in the digital age.
Catch up on the previous steps now:
Or download a copy of the full 6-step guide to electronic patient record (EPR) procurement and implementation.
Get in touch
If you’d like to discuss your EPR strategy with Jennifer, contact her on jennifer@ethicalhealthcare.org.uk