The EHR implementation is not a simple process. It is a comprehensive process that involves a lot of practices. There are misconceptions about whether the implementation of the EHR is a project or a program. This misconception arises because of the various processes that are involved in the whole process. It is a time-consuming undertaking, and it is critical to have a deeper understanding of whether it is a project or a program. This paper lays a focus on whether the EHR is a program or a project and also the characteristics from each process such as planning, selection, and benefits realization.
EHR is not just a project; it is a comprehensive process that is comprised of various projects. The different projects are coordinated as a single
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It is also a very subjective process, and thus it can only be classified as a project rather than just a project (Elizabeth, 2009). In the planning phase, the main tasks that take place include analyzing and mapping out how work will be done. It also involves developing new workflows that will ensure that work is done in an efficient way. A contingency plan that will ensure that issues that may arise are well combated is also an important process that takes place in the planning stage. It is at this stage, where the individuals who will be responsible for forming a transition from the paperwork to the electronic health systems are appointed. Other issues concerning the privacy and security of the data that will be transmitted are also put into consideration (Westland, …show more content…
The selection process may start with the planning of how the EHR system will be supported (Elizabeth, 2009). At times, the implementing team can identify the various goals and then select an EHR system that supports the goals. In the selection process, the leadership team also makes a consideration of how the EHR will affect the workflows in the organization. This is a good proof that the EHR is not just a simple project. It is a big program that is implemented with a purpose of changing the organization. Its environment is complex and dynamic, and it must be managed in the context of changing the organization operations (How to Implement EHRs).
The EHR implementation is also a clear indication that the EHR is a program and not a project. The implementation process involves a series of activities which include training, pilot testing and go live. The implementation step follows a plan, and it takes part in phases (How to Implement EHRs). The fact that the program implementation takes place in phases differentiates an EHR from a
For years now, the healthcare system in the United States have managed patient’s health records through paper charting, this has since changed for the better with the introduction of an electronic medical record (EMR) system. This type of system has helped healthcare providers, hospitals and other ambulatory institutions extract data from a patient’s chart to help expedite clinical diagnosis and providing necessary care. Although this form of technology shows great promise, studies have shown that this system is just a foundation to the next evolution of health technology. The transformation of EMR to electronic heath record system (EHR) is the ultimate goal of the federal government.
The U. S government passed the American Recovery Act in 2009 that established incentives and penalties to promote EHR use. From this legislation the Meaningful Use Program for EHR’s s was created. Through The Meaningful Use Program the U.S. government is able to support the adoption and use of EHR technology to enhance and revolutionize health care. The goal of the program is to increase EHR adoption, improve quality, safety, reduce disparities, and improve public health (hmsa , 2012).
Did you ever think about how much time is spent on computers and the internet? It is estimated that the average adult will spend over five hours per day online or with digital media according to Emarketer.com. This is a significant amount; taking into consideration the internet has not always been this easily accessible. The world that we live in is slowly or quickly however you look at it: becoming technology based and it is shifting the way we live. With each day more and more people use social media, shop online, run businesses, take online classes, play games, the list is endless. The internet serves billions of people daily and it doesn’t stop there. Without technology and the internet, there would be no electronic health record. Therefore, is it important for hospitals and other institutions to adopt the electronic health record (EHR) system? Whichever happens, there are many debates about EHR’s and their purpose, and this paper is going to explain both the benefits and disadvantages of the EHR. Global users of the internet can then decide whether the EHR is beneficial or detrimental to our ever changing healthcare system and technology based living.
One important feature of this class is the emphasis on EMR/ EHR. In the course of this class I have learned a lot about the importance of electronic health record and the laws governing it. Perhaps my biggest take away in the course of researching for this class is how vulnerable electronic health record is. It is generally believed that health records are safe and secured but in this modern time it is as vulnerable as any online data. Though there are laws governing the protection of electronic health record and electronic medical record under HIPPA and the Affordable Care Act yet hackers still find a way to penetrate health organizations health data to steal patient information.
“An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users.” (healthit.gov) The EHR mandate was created “to share information with other health care providers and organizations – such as laboratories, specialists, medical imaging facilities, pharmacies, emergency facilities, and school and workplace clinics – so they contain information from all clinicians involved in a patient’s care.” ("Providers & Professionals | HealthIT.gov", n.d., p. 1) The process has proved to be quite challenging for providers. As an incentive, the government began issuing payments to those providers who “meaningfully use certified electronic health record (EHR) technology.” (hhs.gov) There are three stages that providers must progress through in order to receive theses financial incentives. Stage one is the initial stage and is met with the creation and implementation of the HER in the business. Stage two “increases health information exchange between providers.” ("United States Department of Health and Human Services | HHS.gov", n.d., p. 1) Stage three will be the continuation and expansion of the “meaningful use objectives.” ("United States Department of Health and Human Services | HHS.gov", n.d., p. 1) The hospital, where I work, initiated the HER mandate many years ago. In this paper, I will discuss the progression and the challenges that my hospital encountered while implementing the EHR mandate.
The transformation of paper based health record to electronic health record is not an easy step for any providers or organizations but is a major step in the process of providing improved and efficient patient care. Every healthcare organization should have the vision of adopting EHR because it provides numerous benefits not only to providers but also to patient. It is the vision of every healthcare provider to offer the best health care possible. So implementation of EHR is a necessity.
As EHRs expand their functionality to include recall and reminder alerts, clinical decision supports, mhealth, and more complex tasks, they are considered comprehensive (Magnuson, 2014). Through this evolution, providers and patients will be able to share access to electronic health information that allows them to collaborate in joint, informed decision making which has the potential to greatly impact patient and population health (Healthit.gov, 2014) as it involves a clinical shift from the treatment of conditions to prevention through behavior and lifestyle modification (Magnuson, 2014). The management of patient collaboration will shift from being primarily the responsibility of the patient to that of accountable organizations. Shahid Shah, an award-winning Government 2.0, health IT, and medical device integration software expert, outlines the five stages of EHR maturity in patient care collaboration
The EHR is a computerized health record that will take place of the paper chart. The health care information will be available to all health care providers at anytime, anywhere. The record will contain medical history, diagnosis, medications, immunization, allergies, diagnostics and lab results; from past doctors, emergency department visits, school, pharmacies, and out patient laboratories and facilities (Department of health and human services, 2014). Health care providers will be able to access evidence-based tools to aid in decision-making. EHR will also streamline workflow, and support changes in payer requirements and consumer expectations. In 2004, “the HHS secretary, Tommy Thompson appointed David Brailer as the national health information coordinator to provide: leadership for the development and nationwide implementation of a interoperable HIT infrastructure, with the goal of establishing electronic health records...
EHR is built for medical providers to share information with groups for example laboratories, specialists, medical imaging facilities, pharmacies, emerge...
“There are two concepts in electronic patient records that are used interchangeably but are different-the electronic medical record (EMR/EHR) and the electronic health record. The National Alliance for Health Information Technology (NAHIT) defines the EHR as the electronic record of health-related information on an individual that is accumulated from one health system and is utilized by the health organization that is providing patient care while the EMR accumulates more patient medical information from many health organizations that have been involved in the patient care. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has been urging the healthcare industry to adopt the electronic patient record but initially
Analyzing Workflow for a Health IT Implementation by Lydia Washington, is a short shifted scenario published January 1, 2008 The inability to integrate electronic health records (EHRs) into clinician workflow is a well-documented barrier to implementing EHR systems. To address this problem, organizations must analyze their workflow processes before implementing an EHR system. Optimal workflow requires having the right information at the right time so that the individual performing a step or task can advance the process toward completion. To achieve optimal workflow, organizations must take a step back and analyze the flow of work.
Blobel, Bernd, R Engelbrecht, and Michael A. Shifrin. Large Scale Projects in Ehealth: Partnership in Modernization ; Proceedings of the Efmi Special Topic Conference, 18-20 April 2012, Moscow, Russia. Amsterdam: IOS Press, 2012. Internet resource.
Studies have implied that, healthcare professionals who practice clinical features through EHR were far more likely provide better preventive care than were healthcare professionals who did not. (page 116). From 2004, EHR has initiated, even the major priority of President Obama’s agenda is EHR (Madison & Stagger, 2011). Health care administration considers EHR as the introduction of advanced technology which can improve patient satisfaction are can increase the financial incentives of the healthcare organization. Studies have pointed out that the federal policy is proposed to transform all medical records into EHR (Hebda & Calderone, 2010).
The Brave New World of eHR: Human Resources in the Digital Age. Jossey-Bass, 2005.
Gueutal H., & Stone, D., (2005). The Brave New World of eHR: Human Resources Management in the Digital Age, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass