What are effective ways to persuade physicians to use electronic health records?
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Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients' medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions. They can improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care, but many physicians are reluctant to adopt them. How can you persuade them to use EHRs in their practice? Here are some effective ways to communicate the benefits and address the barriers of EHRs.
One of the main reasons why physicians resist EHRs is that they do not see how they can benefit their work and their patients. To overcome this, you need to show them the value of EHRs in terms of saving time, reducing errors, enhancing coordination, and improving outcomes. For example, you can demonstrate how EHRs can automate tasks, alert them to potential issues, facilitate referrals and transitions, and support decision making. You can also share success stories and testimonials from other physicians who have used EHRs and seen positive results.
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Paul Buehrens
Chief Medical Officer, VYRTY Corp., developer of the mobile app SYNCMD.
There are very few docs NOT using EHR today. But paper is very inefficient, and today coding is nearly impossible by hand. When we implemented EHR, it allowed us to cut overhead 10% and RAISE physician productivity 9%. As a result, given our high overhead, incomes rose 42% that year. Find an EHR that is not too customizable, covers your needs, and allows you to train staff as superusers, so you become self-sustaining. Get your hospital to help to the legal extent possible. Automate everything you can without losing the personal touch, and devote your quality improvement efforts to improvements that can be done electronically. We did, and it kept our independent practice alive for another 9 years
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Amos Dare MD, FACS
Neurosurgeon, Founder - MedMatch Network | Digital Health Transformation Leader | Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare | Patient Advocacy | Author
I am not sure that it is accurate to say that "physicians resist EHRs." In this digital age, most physicians perceive the potential benefit of EHR. Mind you, there has been a mandate since 2014 (HITECH) for all medical practices to adopt EHR or face hefty fines or be excluded from some federal programs. In fact, the latest AMA studies show that EHR adoption rates are in the 88-90% as of 2021 across the country. Although EHR adoption has the potential to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and patient engagement, there are nuances to its use including user Interface complexity, burdensome manual data entry, poor integration with digital health, and limited interoperability. In my opinion, these are the obstacles to effective use.
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Another common obstacle to EHR adoption is the lack of training and support. Many physicians feel overwhelmed by the complexity and unfamiliarity of EHR systems, and worry about the impact on their workflow and productivity. To address this, you need to provide adequate training and support for physicians and their staff. This includes offering flexible and tailored training options, such as online, on-site, or peer-to-peer, as well as ongoing technical assistance and feedback. You can also involve physicians in the selection and implementation of EHR systems, and solicit their input and feedback on how to improve them.
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Amos Dare MD, FACS
Neurosurgeon, Founder - MedMatch Network | Digital Health Transformation Leader | Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare | Patient Advocacy | Author
In fact, different specialties and subspecialties possess different clinical workflows. Therefore, "one-sized (EHR) does not fit all." An often overlooked consequence of the HITECH Act is the heavy proliferation of different EHR systems. Unfortunately, this has been for commercialization and not necessarily for specialization. With time, certain EHR systems allow customization or specialization in an effort to reduce friction and disruption in adopting EHRs. It is not unheard of to have clinical practices go through several EHRs before adopting one that fits their workflow. Unfortunately, this can be costly and frustrating to staff, providers, and patients alike. The key is matching the right EHR to improve and not disrupt workflow.
A third major barrier to EHR adoption is the cost. EHR systems can be expensive to purchase, install, maintain, and upgrade, and many physicians do not have the financial resources or incentives to invest in them. To address this, you need to help physicians understand the costs and benefits of EHRs, and explore the available funding and reimbursement options. For example, you can explain how EHRs can reduce operational costs, increase revenue, and qualify for incentive programs. You can also help physicians access grants, loans, or discounts from vendors, government agencies, or professional associations.
A fourth important factor to consider when persuading physicians to use EHRs is the relationship between you and them. Physicians are more likely to listen to and trust someone who understands their needs, challenges, and preferences, and who respects their autonomy and expertise. To build trust and rapport, you need to communicate with physicians in a respectful, empathetic, and collaborative manner. For example, you can use open-ended questions, active listening, positive reinforcement, and motivational interviewing techniques. You can also acknowledge their concerns, address their objections, and offer solutions.
A fifth effective way to persuade physicians to use EHRs is to leverage social influence. Physicians are influenced by the opinions and behaviors of their peers, colleagues, and leaders, and by the norms and expectations of their profession and society. To leverage social influence, you need to create a positive and supportive environment for EHR adoption. For example, you can recruit and engage champions and role models who can endorse and demonstrate EHR use, and create networks and communities of practice where physicians can share and learn from each other. You can also highlight the trends and standards of EHR adoption in the industry and the public.
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Amos Dare MD, FACS
Neurosurgeon, Founder - MedMatch Network | Digital Health Transformation Leader | Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare | Patient Advocacy | Author
Regarding the differences among EMR systems, they can vary in terms of user interface design, implementation process, pricing models, scalability, and specific features offered. The level of customization, integration capabilities, and support provided by the vendors may also differ. It is crucial for healthcare organizations to evaluate their specific needs and requirements before selecting an EMR system that aligns with their goals and workflows. The key to EHR adoption is reducing physician burnout by minimizing workflow disruption, improving efficiency, and allowing customization.
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