Implementation of a new EMR (electronic medical record) platform at any healthcare organization requires strategic planning. It’s important to maintain adequate staffing levels and create a smooth transition of employee responsibilities. According to Modern Healthcare, a common barrier to EMR platform adoption in most organizations is that shared information is not available to clinicians, and to view and use the information, clinicians must move out of their regular workflows.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help employees learn a new EMR platform and ensure that workflow and patient care are not compromised in the adoption process. To make your transition successful, it’s key to pay close attention to your staffing levels. Follow these three tips to maintain adequate staffing levels with an EMR implementation.
Hire temporary support.
As your current employees receive EMR training, you’ll want to hire temporary employees who can continue delivering patient care as normal. You can use a staffing agency or seek workers from other hiring outlets—either way, it’s important to find the right support before EMR training begins. That way, you can avoid disruptions or disturbances to your daily operations.
By hiring temporary support, your permanent workers will be able to focus on EMR platform training. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce explains that a temporary workforce allows organizations to use labor for shorter periods of time without a long-term commitment and the cost of full-time benefits.
Identify experienced EMR users to assist your staff.
Some employees on your team will inevitably be more technologically advanced than others. According to SoftwareAdvice.com, employees with high computer proficiency can help teach your staff how to navigate the EMR system and answer questions throughout the training process. You can encourage team-building and collaboration by identifying your top tech users and making them the go-to people for EMR assistance. Most importantly, your top users will be able to troubleshoot and help solve unexpected tech problems so that your staff is equipped to handle issues immediately – without negatively impacting patient care.
Communicate the purpose of the EMR system.
It’s common for employees to wonder what their workload will look like after an EMR implementation which may make them anxious and worried about their future roles. Being open about the purpose of the EMR system can help mitigate those concerns. Explain to employees how the system will actually enhance their current roles. Be open with employees about the expectations of the new system and how the entire team and patients will benefit.
While implementing an EMR system and maintaining your staff productivity can certainly have its challenges, using the tips above can allow you to get your team up-to-speed without affecting patient care due to a lack of staffing capacity and support.