Coaching physicians on how to navigate a new EHR system during the implementation process can help alleviate any future burden that may develop with administrative tasks.
Here are five ways healthcare providers can improve EHR coaching at their organizations, according to health information technology vendor Athenahealth.
1. Make EHR training mandatory for new physician hires. By incorporating time to train new physicians on the health system's EHR system, the physicians will be able to practice online training modules and learning templates as well as have the opportunity to ask any questions in real time while they use the EHR.
2. Appoint EHR super users. An organization should identify individuals who are experts in the EHR at each point of care. The super users can serve as the go-to person for any EHR questions.
3. Use custom templates to help improve workflow. By pinpointing common patterns of EHR usage, healthcare practices can develop templates to help streamline providers' workflows.
4. Identify providers who need extra help. Healthcare organizations can use quality metrics to measure physicians' EHR usage and performance. If there are any individuals who spend additional time in the EHR after hours, the organization's training team should reach out to help alleviate any problems.
5. Establish a continuous support model. Practices should collaborate with their vendors to set up continuous support so clinicians and staff have an opportunity to present ongoing questions about the EHR.