Adopting Electronic Health Record System - Essay Example

? Electronic Health record, Information site paper Electronic Health record, Information site paper  According to the research conducted by Healthcare Financial Management Association (2006), a lot needs to be done if the hospitals have to completely and effectively adopt the electronic health records systems. In this study, it is indicated that the adoption of the electronic health records systems (EHR) by the hospitals stand at 23%. This is an interpretation of the fact that, a lot needs to be done in the implementation of EHR in the contemporary medical world. With the urban hospitals more keen and committed in the adoption of EHR, it is of great essence that the rural hospitals take over the same trend. In as much the costs of upgrading the health records in the health facilities are considerably higher; all the concerned parties must be geared towards improvement of the same. The electronic health records systems (EHR) have been credited for their ability to address the most tasking aspects that affect the healthcare system amongst them being the quality of services being offered to the citizens. The Healthcare Financial Management Association (2006) emphasizes that, a modernized health record system makes it easy for the concerned parties to plan on the endowment of the hospitals. It is imperative that hospitals embrace the novel technology on electronic health records systems (EHR) into their systems. Part 1 The electronic health records system (EHR) is entwined with copious challenges in the quest to promote continuum healthcare. The Healthcare Financial Management Association (2006) indicates that it is tremendously tasking to make all documents electronic in particular, integrating the older documents into the new system. This interprets that there will be a niche in the homogeny of the system. The concerned parties, in this case, are forced to have these information as images in their catalog, but not as original documents of the previous files. In this context, therefore, the eventual result has been to have an inclusive database in the electronic records. It becomes intricate if the clinician used poor handwriting to fill certain forms though the scanned documents can be included electronically. It, as a result, becomes complicated to interpret the documents as well as deduce their meanings. This can be dealt with by having a duplication of feebly written copies then scanning of the same. This will create a form of equivalence in the electronic system. Lack of knowledge on the safeguarding and storage of documents is a barrier to EHR. The concerned parties are not fully aware on the accessibility of retrieval of electronic data. Lack of the knowledge on the creation, editing and use of electronic data negatively implicates the implementation of EHR. Inability to store data interprets that medical practitioners are unable t enjoy new data systems. This can be eliminated by conducting a matriculation program on the concerned health facilities on the need to have electronic data systems and the need to upgrade the existing systems. Security and privacy issues also surround the electronic health records.  According to the research conducted by Healthcare Financial Management Association (2006), privacy of patients’ documents is a responsibility of the health practitioners. The EHR has led to the accessibility of patient documents on-line, a subject to security and privacy of patient information. It is important that all health facilities come up with stringent restrains on the EHR so as to maintain the standards of keeping records in the facility. Privacy and security are of great essence in terms of patient confidentiality. Having no standard language is yet another barrier to EHR implementation. This leads to poor synchronization of data and coordination. It is important that a standardized language and program is put in place, and distributed to all medical facilities. Record synchronization will make it easier for the educators on EHR to have a uniform matriculation program, with the clinicians expecting the same database in all health facilities. To avoid various forms of misunderstandings by consumers as information is shared among providers, the concerned organizations must be quick to embrace change in the organizations. Accepting change means that it is possible to have all the necessary information regarding EHR. This also makes it easier to explain to the consumers how to use the same systems, as compared to a situation whereby the organizations resist change. Part 2 My major responsibility as a Pharmacy Director at a hospital that utilizes Electronic health records is to distribute cabinets at the unit bases. I also allot pharmacy systems in the hospital, as well as e-prescription. In this case in point, I envisage myself as an administrator in the hospital, all in a venture to make sure that all works are in line with the intended protocol. Part 3 I just needed to enroll in computer training lessons that exposed me to the simple basics of data organization and computer handling so as to fit in my position as a Pharmacy Director at the hospital,. I am able to make the most of a variety of computer programs to my advantage, which definitely makes my work easier and more pleasurable. My computer literacy skills have also made it possible for me to pass on my knowledge to other members in the hospital. Part 4 The initial step in the administration of an effective EHR managed facility is to select a program that can easily be operated through other programs for instance Microsoft word that can easily be used by all practitioners. The preferred program must also be accompanied by customer care services that are wholly operational incase of complications. This will create a situation whereby the health practitioners will take hold of the practice of these systems. The implementation of the electronic health records system (EHR) may benefit from selection of a team leader with a positive spirit towards change and leading a team. Such leaders will defy to the exiting norms (Healthcare Financial Management Association, 2006). Such leaders are also up to date with the fact that electronic health records system (EHR) will lessen strain that is related to reclamation and array of data associated with the patients. In the long run, good organization will be accomplished, and stress abridged. With time, such leaders will make it the custom of the facility to store records by electronic means. Coming up with an Implementation program is yet another factor that can be useful in the implementation of the electronic health records system (EHR). The leader must be well conversant with the plans that see to the finalization of the program. These leaders must ensure that they conduct inclusive research on the implementation of the program. They should then set plans that will allow slow transition of traditional record keeping to EHR. Proper installation of the systems should be done effectively, as well as training of the users of the systems. Professional training will create a lasting impact on the health practitioners who will the champions in implementation of change in the entire system. Healthcare Financial Management Association (2006) indicates that despite the implementation costs, this stage is the most crucial in successful implementation and application of the EHR. Part 5 Initially it was extremely difficult to use the new systems. This is for the reason that it was a new project and not all nurses were willing to change from paper to EMR. Resistance change slowed down the implementation process; making it difficult to have teamwork in the health facility. As the training continued, the nurses began to slowly adjust to the novel technology, and with time almost all things fell into place.  However, the training process was not an easy one. At first, we began with enlightening the other on the major and most important features of the EHR. The next required us to access all the training materials needed so as learning can take place. This exercise was a bit tricky as I had to select the best out of the ones available. I then organized the training program in the hospital that was characterized by questions from the members of staff who were keen to learn the new skills. The one on one interaction between the staff and the educators on EMR, created a situation whereby tension on the utilization of the project was minimized. In other instances the educators were forced to train members in forms of small groups so as to have a one on one touch with the beneficiaries of EMR. Conclusively, it is evident that the adoption of EMR in the health facilities has more advantages as compared to the costs and constraints that are undergone during introduction and implementation of the entire system. The proper the planning; the less costs directed to the implementation project. Additionally, if long-term success has to be attained in the implementation of EMR, training cannot be overlooked as a minor project in the workplace. Constant reinforcement of these skills will allow for inclusiveness in the transition of the paperwork to EMR. References Healthcare Financial Management Association. (2006).Overcoming Barriers to Electronic Health Record Adoption. Results of Survey and Roundtable Discussions Conducted by the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Available at: http://www.hhs.gov/healthit/ahic/materials/meeting03/ehr/HFMA_OvercomingBarriers.pdf Read More