The topic of electronic health records (EHR) has been subjected to detailed research in the past decade due to the increasing popularity of technology use for patient case management and the array of benefits that technologies can bring. In this paper, basic chance management principles associated with EHR will be explained, success factors of interventions will be listed, and ways to help leaders to optimize their practice will be discussed.
Kotter’s change management model has been identified as the one to offer the most comprehensive view on basic change management principles linked to the use of electronic health records. The following is a summary of key principles that successful change managers in healthcare facilities may implement:
- To develop a clear idea of the future practice; this means making sure that patients, staff, and the management understand how the EHR implementation will occur.
- To make sure that the staff knows their responsibilities; the staff should be educated on their role in the change management initiative.
- To establish urgency; an explanation should be provided as to why changes are needed as soon as possible.
- To build a credible team; staff that works effectively with others should be selected for change management initiatives.
- To educate all staff; this means that the healthcare team should receive relevant and timely information on the initiative.
- To recognize a leader’s role; the leader should be aware of his or her role in the initiative and how he or she can encourage the team.
- To help the staff reach desired goals; the leader must help with everyday issues and assist in achieving goals.
- To promote confidence in sustaining change; necessary actions should be taken for promoting the use of EHR.
- To develop short-term objectives; this means acknowledging small achievements.
- To create a quality improvement culture; the leader must evaluate the initiative, make adjustments, and reward staff for their success.
Critical success factors associated with change management and the use of EHR cover a broad spectrum of activities. These factors include having a clear idea of what the future with the implemented change will be, developing and communication an action plan, establishing a skilled team of professionals (guiding team), defining key strategies for communication, deciding on how and where the guiding team may get help in implementing the initiative, and being aware of the possible need to train and retrain the staff during the initiative as well as provide technical assistance for ensuring success (The National Learning Consortium 19).
One of the ways to help practice leaders optimize their use of health information technologies (HIT) is patient engagement, which is the second stage of initiative implementation. Patient engagement is associated with the empowerment of patients and their families to take action and become more active in health care through such means as downloading their health information, transmitting it, and having an active discussion with healthcare providers (The National Learning Consortium 9). Action steps to achieve meaningful patient engagement in EHR use include establishing of effective feedback and communication mechanisms, informing patients of possible changes, assessing patient portals’ usability, as well as updating the necessary tools based on patients’ feedback.
To summarize, it should be mentioned that change management associated with the implementation of EHR requires careful planning and attention to the role of guiding teams, leaders, and patients. Since the use of electronic records can facilitate better health outcomes, it is important to consider the above principles, recommendations, and success factors for reaching both long- and short-term goals.
Work Cited
The National Learning Consortium. Change Management in EHR Implementation. 2013, Web.