By Sheryl Bushman, DO, FACOOG(D) | SVP, Physician Advisory
Implementing a new EHR system is a big step toward enhancing healthcare workflows and patient care. But having an efficient system in place isn’t enough on its own. My role at Continuum Health IT is to guide providers and healthcare teams in adopting proactive, effective strategies to help them confidently approach each day. A well-planned daily routine tailored to each user’s needs is essential to avoid the end-of-day catch-up scramble and prevent critical oversights.
This blog series aims to help health systems and providers avoid common pitfalls and successfully launch their new EHR systems.
Avoiding Pitfalls of New EHR Systems: Daily Strategy
Without a clear strategy, even the best EHR systems can struggle to help providers manage their days smoothly. Each day brings its own set of tasks – appointments, surgeries, unexpected needs – and having a simple, organized plan is vital.
Using the EHR system as a tool for planning and keeping track of tasks helps providers avoid time-consuming backlogs and deliver steady, high-quality care. A practical daily approach starts with quickly reviewing your schedule and patient records.
Spending a few minutes each morning to check upcoming appointments, procedures, and key patient details allows providers to anticipate needs and organize their day effectively. This preparation reduces stress, prevents disruptions in patient care, and helps create a safer, more focused environment for providers and patients.
Why a Daily Strategy Matters
When providers start their day with a clear idea of what’s ahead, they’re more focused and less likely to feel the stress of last-minute surprises. Something as simple as logging in early to review the day’s schedule and patient charts can make a big difference, helping reduce anxiety and giving a greater sense of control.
This quick habit keeps providers organized and lets them make better use of any downtime, ensuring that all patient information is up-to-date and easily accessible. For instance, slower periods are perfect for updating patients on test results or responding to quick questions, which boosts patient satisfaction and keeps records current.
With EHR systems accessible on multiple devices, providers can stay organized and respond promptly to patient needs – whether in the office, between appointments, or on their mobile devices.
Decision Example: “How Should I Approach My Day?”
Imagine you’re a provider preparing for a busy day filled with appointments and procedures. You might think, “I barely have time to catch my breath – do I really need to plan my day?”
It’s tempting to dive right in, but taking just a few minutes to review your schedule and patient details can save you from added stress and wasted time later on. A quick look over each appointment, checking for crucial information like medical history or recent test results, sets you up for a smoother, more organized day.
For instance, if you’re scheduled for a procedure, confirming all necessary equipment is ready and reviewing the patient’s history ahead of time will make everything run more smoothly. This simple preparation step helps avoid last-minute scrambles, letting you focus on quality care without interruptions or delays.
Potential Consequences of a Poorly Planned Day
Without a solid plan for the day, providers can quickly run into avoidable delays and inefficiencies. Reviewing patient information on the spot, with no prior preparation, can stretch out appointment times and reduce availability for other patients.
And it’s not just about time – poor planning can lead to duplicated tests, overlooked details, or even misdiagnoses, impacting patient care and increasing costs.
When providers address each task as it comes up without a structured approach, the day can start to feel like a “fire drill,” with staff scrambling to keep up. This constant reaction mode creates stress for everyone involved and can disrupt the routines of other team members, leading to frustration and a dip in morale.
How to Make a Daily Strategy Effective
To get the most out of your EMR system, start each day with a clear plan. Begin with a quick morning review of your schedule and patient records. If you have surgeries, confirm that all equipment and necessary records are ready.
For a typical office day, check your workload and prepare for any additional tasks that may come up. It’s also important to regularly reassess your workflow. Spending 30 minutes evaluating and adjusting your routine can significantly boost efficiency and job satisfaction.
Think about which information you need most often – is it easy to find when you log in, or is it buried in multiple screens? By prioritizing critical details and customizing your EMR layout, you can streamline your workflow and reduce daily stress.
Schedule a Consultation With Continuum Health IT
At Continuum Health IT, we understand the importance of developing a solid daily strategy that makes the most of your EHR system. Our consultants are here to guide healthcare organizations in creating effective, personalized daily routines that maximize productivity, reduce stress and improve patient care.
Whether you’re implementing a new system or want to optimize your current setup, we’re here to help you and your team feel prepared and organized each day. Schedule a consultation with Continuum Health IT today and start making your EHR system work for you.