EHR Implementation Training
We implemented over 4 years ago with a group of 13 doctors implementing 100% of their work at the same time. We were quite successful, did not see an appreciable drop in productivity, and did not have doctors smashing computers on the ground in frustration. Some had a longer learning curve, but everyone got there.
The biggest tip I would provide is to spend the time pushing all the buttons and practicing - PRIOR to go-live. When you purchase an EHR you should have access to the system prior to the go-live date. Spend that time learning as much as you can about the functionality so it can be a tool to improve efficiency during your patient evaluations rather than a hindrance.
As a hospital, we trained all clinical staff using a "train the trainer" approach. Physicians trained all of the physicians (over 60). We hired residents to assist attendings on weekends get the hang of the electronic record over the first two months. We have been fully operational for 3 years. We also have a "test" system that assists staff with training. Prior to implementing any updates to the system, we have a testing protocol in our test system that ensures we work out any potential kinks. It is also essential to create protocols in the event that the system goes down--we have paper templates of all of our screens and think about which parts of the record will need to be entered once the system is back.
Using an EHR? Yes - NetSmart's Avatar
Disclosure: No ownership or financial interest in any related business or association
I would absolutely agree with David. The key to a successful implementation is planning, training and testing the product prior to go live. The ability to use data bases other than the production data base is a plus that will allow exploration of all templates and processes during training. Creating test patients in the production environment will also aid training and testing. I would also encourage using all functions of the EMR at day one of go live. This approach allowed our practice to return to full productivity at 4 weeks from go live.
Using an EHR? Yes - NextGen EHR, EPM and EDR
Disclosure: No ownership or interest in any related business or association