Doctor Shares Components of a Successful EHR Implementation

June 20, 2017 - In a recent article in Harvard Business Review, the former CEO of the Permanente Medical Group Robert M. Pearl, MD relayed his experiences installing an Epic EHR system ten years ago and the factors responsible for a successful EHR implementation.

Despite the hefty cost of implementation — in the area of $4 billion — the EHR system quickly proved beneficial in delivering more efficient, accurate patient care because of the right approach, according to the now Chairman of the Council of Accountable Physician Practices.

However, not all physicians have such a positive experience. Many remain skeptical the advantages of EHR implementation outweigh the costs and administrative strain. Several Boston physicians recently penned an op-ed expressing frustrations with the negative effect EHR technology has on the patient-provider relationship.

Pearl reasons much of the problem stems from the fact that few physicians have the opportunity to work with comprehensive EHR systems aggregating data from all of a patient’s past providers.

Furthermore, not all physicians have systems capable of communicating gaps in care or potential medical errors.

READ MORE: EHR Implementation Projects Impact EHR Optimization Efforts

To allow physicians to fully realize the benefits of utilizing the technology, Pearl first recommends practices adopt comprehensive EHRs.

For its part, Pearl’s practice purchased a single Epic EHR system designed to enhance the combined functionality of the system for all specialties and physicians.

“In addition, we worked with the company to develop an in-patient suite fully integrated with the outpatient modules,” noted Pearl.

A single system provides optimal benefits because it offers more complete information and promotes data sharing.

“Patients benefit the most through the sharing of information across specialties, rather than the depth or ease of documentation within each,” wrote Pearl. “Unlike many office-based stand-alone systems that focus on a single clinician’s needs, a comprehensive EHR begins with the totality of the patient, and communicates their information to every physician who provides care.”

When all physicians in a practice are able to access the same data they are more likely to detect gaps and communicate these potential problems to improve patient safety.

READ MORE: Do EHR Implementations Have Negative Short-Term Effects?

Another way hospitals and health systems can improve the EHR implementation process is to assure physicians of the value of the technology.

“Many of the current EHRs were designed predominantly for coding and billing, rather than clinical practice, and they often don’t connect seamlessly with the EHRs in surrounding doctors’ offices,” wrote Pearl. “So rather than making patient care easier, they end up slowing clinicians down.”