Driving ROI From Data-Driven EMR Clinical Optimization

This content was originally created by Galen Healthcare, now part of RLDatix.

Abstract

Healthcare Delivery Organizations (HDOs) spent more than $20B in the adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) systems from 2008 to 2016. Although the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act gave health systems a financial incentive to achieve Meaningful Use of EMRs, many HDOs have struggled to capture value. As the capabilities and sophistication of EMRs continue to grow, there is a widening divide between HDOs that harness the capabilities for a competitive advantage and those that are crippled by poor usability, workflows, and adoption.

Background & Introduction

Under the pressure of moving ahead to meet the requirements of the Meaningful Use program, most EMRs have been implemented using a Big Bang approach, and very rapidly. While this approach may have been the most effective to capture incentives, generic, rapid EMR implementation has led to several unintended consequences, which has resulted in widespread user dissatisfaction.
EMRs today serve more as a transactional system of record than a system of engagement. To be used to their full capacity, the different components and modules of the EMR should be evaluated against baseline metrics to harness additional capabilities including clinical decision support, analytics at the point of care, and efficiency of workflow.
To realize lasting impact from the EMR, extensive post go live enhancement and optimization is needed. Leveraging the operational data in the EMR system can support many initiatives to improve workflows, as well as clinical and financial performance. Prioritization of the levers that can be adjusted depends on the HDO’s implementation baseline and strategic goals.