Contents
Strategy 1: Stop the unnecessary work
The idea of getting rid of unnecessary work can feel so simple yet so daunting at the same time. Many physicians, especially those already experiencing burnout, feel resigned to whatever unnecessary work they are given. However, with visible leadership commitment, concrete examples to work from, and an IT and governance structure in place to evaluate and implement effective changes, unnecessary work does not have to be “just how it is.”
This section will help you tame the EHR by:
- Simplifying documentation to reduce note bloat, based on the 2021 outpatient E/M coding updates
- Creating a unified organizational strategy for EHR inbox reduction
- Going upstream to optimize information-sharing with patients and reduce unnecessary ordering of tests to minimize what ultimately enters the EHR inbox
Strategy 2: Share the necessary work
Of course, after optimal de-implementation to reduce unnecessary work, there is still much necessary work to accomplish in the EHR at the end of the day. The key here is involving the entire care team to share this workload—this is essential for effectively taming the EHR.
This section will help you tame the EHR by:
- Implementing fundamental team-based care workflows to help you manage the necessary, value-adding EHR work
Strategy 3: Optimize personal proficiency with EHR technology
While the system- and practice-level efforts described in Strategies 1 and 2 are foundational for successfully taming the EHR, becoming more personally proficient with the technology itself can offer some valuable time-saving tricks.
This section will help you tame the EHR by:
- Boosting confidence as an EHR user with easy wins and small changes that add up to save you hours each week
- Enhancing Epic or Oracle Cerner skills with efficiency-boosting tips developed by vendor experts for AMA STEPS Forward®
Strategy 4: Gather data
Gathering accurate and up-to-date EHR use data or metrics is essential for measuring progress and success as well as identifying areas of continued focus for the organization.
This section will help you tame the EHR by:
- Defining core EHR use metrics
- Using EHR data to identify areas of need and measure progress
In this era, no one wants to go back to paper charts. But as with any technological tool, physicians and health care systems need to learn how to harness the power of the EHR and use it effectively. The key to mastering and taming the EHR is not better training for the EHR users (though this is helpful) but creating and maintaining the necessary system-level procedures and resources to maximize team-based care and eliminate unnecessary work.
