Hospitals across the US have deployed Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software solutions. This digital transformation has shifted towards EHR optimization tactics to enhance clinical processes and reduce the likelihood of physician burnout.
Clinician Burnout Associated with EMR Systems
Without a doubt, the robust technology of electronic medical records software has helped streamline daily clinical, operational, and financial workflows. However, the adoption of EHR software has also contributed to an increase in physician burnout.
A 2018 poll revealed that 71 percent of providers experienced burnout using EMR solutions, and 59% said the software technology required total refurbishment.
What is EHR Software Optimization?
The process of improving and strengthening the efficiency, functionality, and usability of electronic health record systems used in healthcare organizations is referred to as software optimization. EMRs are digital versions of paper charts that contain detailed information about a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, treatments, drugs, and more. The goal of optimization is to ensure that these systems run efficiently and effectively to assist healthcare providers in providing high-quality patient care.
Key EMR Systems Optimization Strategies
EHR Software optimization tactics may differ based on individual practice needs. Below are the most common and effective ways to ensure that the software technology improves workflows and boosts user satisfaction scores.
Clinical Documentation Automation
A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed that physicians spend 35% to 55% of their time creating notes on electronic health records. This can lead to an increase in workload and ultimately cause burnout.
With the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, EHR documentation has been streamlined and automated. These digital scribes and tools leverage NLP and speech recognition to complete EMR notes in real-time. Healthcare providers who have been quick to utilize the digital scribe technology have helped to alleviate clinician burnout.
Telehealth EHR Integrations
The global pandemic accelerated the use of telemedicine software to provide remote care opportunities to patients. There are standalone telehealth solutions available in the market, however many telehealth solutions integrate seamlessly with electronic medical records to improve interoperability and the overall user experience.
Telehealth EMR integration allows healthcare providers to access virtual appointments easily and automates data entry after the virtual care visit.
A 2022 KLAS report ranked Epic EMR Software’s virtual care integration with the highest overall ratings because of the vendor’s ability to provide an exceptional patient experience.
HIE Search Engines
HIE search engines are critical in increasing the accessibility and usability of health data contained in HIE networks. In recent years many EHR Software vendors have developed HIE search engines to simplify patient data exchange. For example, the PRISMA tool developed by eClinicalWorks.
HIE search engines’ primary purpose is to improve patient care by providing healthcare providers with up-to-date and accurate views of a patient’s health information.
Moving Ahead
To guarantee that the system efficiently supports patient care and organizational goals, EHR software optimization is an ongoing process that needs collaboration between healthcare IT teams, EHR vendors, and healthcare professionals.
