Debates about the ideal method to prepare a Thanksgiving turkey are common in many households—whether it's traditional slow roasting, a wet or dry brine for added moisture, or the risk vs. reward calculations of deep frying. Similarly, in the realm of hospital EHR (Electronic Health Records) systems, there are numerous approaches to deployment.

MEDHOST, with its extensive experience gained over decades and more than a thousand EHR implementations, has refined a unique formula for the successful deployment of EHR systems.

Essential Ingredients in Electronic Health Record Implementation

For hospitals looking to adopt a new EHR system, consider these essential strategies for the best outcomes:

1. Align Expectations: It's crucial for all team members to have a unified understanding of the project's goals and processes.
2. Consider Existing Workflows: Keep in mind how current processes will integrate with the new system.
3. Select a Knowledgeable EHR Team: Experience in the field is invaluable.
4. Opt for a True Partner: Look for a vendor that provides exceptional support, CSE structure, and a commitment to continually improving the customer experience.

Preparing the Groundwork

Initially, healthcare providers must collaborate closely with the electronic health record deployment team to establish clear expectations. This level of project management involves discussing objectives, capabilities, timelines, current workflows, and other factors that might affect the rollout.

Top EHR vendors know that neglecting this step can lead to delays, training gaps, patient care concerns, adoption issues, additional costs, and other challenges that could significantly disrupt the long-term success of the project.

At MEDHOST, the initial stage of all deployments involves in-depth conversations with the hospital staff to devise a tailored strategy for EHR adoption. Our client base includes various types of healthcare facilities, each with unique goals and expectations, such as behavioral health centers, ambulatory practices, community hospitals, post-acute care facilities, and large health networks.

The primary objectives usually encompass:

• Enhancing patient safety
• Improving care coordination
• Boosting operational efficiency
• Maximizing return on investment
• Effective reporting and documentation
• High staff adoption rates
• User-friendly for patients
• Minimizing system downtime
• Revenue cycle management

By thoroughly understanding these aspects, we ensure the implementation plan is customized to meet the specific needs of each facility.

MEDHOST involves the executive team in these plans to manage expectations regarding time, cost, resource allocation, and space requirements. Each of our comprehensive system deployments is also overseen by an executive representative from MEDHOST to maintain open communication channels.

Once the plan is agreed upon, we begin the actual implementation.

Avoid Generic Workflows

Given the diversity in healthcare facility types and goals, a uniform approach to electronic health record deployment is rarely effective.

It’s important that the chosen EHR system aligns well with the specific needs and resources of your facility.

MEDHOST emphasizes the importance of adaptability in their approach, acknowledging the varied types of hospitals they encounter.

From the initial stages of discovery and system configuration to training, testing, and finally going live, the focus remains on your organization's smart goals. In addition, MEDHOST recognizes that hospital staff often have ongoing duties, and their involvement in new technology deployment should not impede these responsibilities.

Selecting an EHR Deployment Team with Healthcare Expertise

The success of an EHR deployment hinges on having the right team. This means choosing a health information technology provider whose team is comprised of professionals with direct experience, such as nurses, pharmacists, and departmental directors.

MEDHOST prides itself on its team's extensive clinical, financial, and operational experience within hospitals. A significant portion of the staff involved in deploying nursing solutions are seasoned professionals with direct hospital experience, which aids in creating a more effective and empathetic implementation process.

Choosing a Partner Over a Vendor

Finally, differentiating between a vendor and a partner in the EHR market is a critical step. A vendor concludes a sale and moves on, whereas a partner remains involved throughout the entire electronic health record deployment process and beyond, working side by side with you.

MEDHOST stands out in its commitment to ongoing collaboration with clients, from assigning executive sponsors for each project to regular updates and feedback loops.

By adhering to these best practices when selecting an EHR partner, you'll be setting the table for a successful implementation.

Learn more about how the MEDHOST implementations team can set you up for continued success. Email us at inquiries@medhost.com or call 1.800.383.6278.