This blog is based on a Linkedin group discussion

Group Name: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society

Discussion Topic: Top Ten reasons why EMR/EHR implementations are failing

With over 400 EMR’s on the market and thousands of practices all over the USA operating in their own individual ways, not to mention their own individual providers who, like working in their own particular way. It is no wonder so many EMR failures are occurring and also no wonder that a discussion has been raging on Linkedin for nearly 2 years now.

For the past week I have been reading through the over 1,400 postings on the discussion topic “Top 10 reasons why EMR installations are failing”, it has been an interesting ride to say the least. So many interesting posts, many insightful comments from both tech and practice sides of the fence. The underlying point is, EMR installations are failing and a large number of people are well aware of it and the dialogue as to why continues.

What I have tried to do, is pull out the most common points from the discussion to summarize in a concise list the major issues that were raised time and time again. Also some possible solutions that were put forward as to how these can be overcome and what to look out for.

Major Issues;

1. 
   
   Practice not buying into the EMR system




• 
  
  This point was raised so many times I lost count, it seems the major issue lies with the Practice not taking the system on board and wanting to use it.


• 
  
  A number of reasons as to why were also raised, the doctors see it as being more work than what they are currently doing, the big issue of “Change”, the tech company not having a well enough structured training and/or implementation plan, the system not being easy to use and taking up valuable time, the EMR company not taking into account all of the relevant Stakeholders


• 
  
  So its clear that the EMR company must focus on ensuring the stakeholders and decision makers at the practice are correctly catered for and sufficiently nurtured so they buy into the new system.


2. 
   
   Badly Managed Customization, Process Integration and Implementation




• 
  
  Not researching the internal processes in the practice well enough and customizing and implementing practice specific processes.


• 
  
  Not having a effective implementation plan that involves department training


3. 
   
   Badly Managed EMR software




• 
  
  EMR software that is built on bad processes, it is clear that there is no internal use of actual providers for development assistance.


• 
  
  EMR systems that are full of bugs and require fixes and patches while being implemented


• 
  
  Meaningful use not integrated into the system


4. 
   
   In-efficient Migration




• 
  
  No clear or easy processes for migrating existing data into the system


• 
  
  A major concern is paper charts and patient history records

So it can be seen that successful EMR installations require;

1.       Strong focus on helping the providers to buy into the system

2.       Project plan developed and implemented by key stakeholders

3.       On-going training for entire staff (includes executive level)

4.       Clinical expertise for workflow re-design

5.       Acceptance and management of change

6.       Well structured and efficient software, bug free

If you would like to read more on this and possibly contribute to the discussion please join the group on Linkedin

Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=93115&trk=anet_ug_grppro

Some interesting Links:

http://www.emr-hit.com/Resources/files/emr-readiness-planner.pdf

http://www.navinet.net/blog/view-from-other-side-of-desk

If you would like to discuss this or interest in discussing with Intechno the possibility of a development partnership, please feel free to contact me.

Best Regards

Christian Solomon

chris@intechnochina.com