Overcoming Resistance to EMR Software
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Although the technology for EMR has been around for many years, adoption has been slow. There are no solid figures, but analysts estimate less than one practice in five have an EMR system and most of them use only the most basic features.
Why Do Doctors Resist EMR?
Early EMR systems were quite primitive, offering few features and even fewer concessions to ease of use. They suffered from the classic problem of software designed for programmers rather than for users. Many physicians had such horrible experiences with these early systems they assume nothing has improved. Modern EMR software bears no more resemblance to their ancestors than a modern automobile does to a Model-T. Software developers learned from their mistakes and have designed a new generation of practice management software far superior to past examples.
Another problem with many EMR adoptions was the assumption that the software would fix the problems in the practice. Many of the underlying issues were matters of practice management philosophy rather than lack of tools, and software just made things worse. When the software is adopted as part of an efficient practice management system, it becomes a benefit rather than a liability.
Tips for Software Implementation
When the medical staff is against the new technology from the start, it becomes a tough sell. In most cases the objections boil down to the fact that doctors and nurses don't want software that is going to get in the way of current procedures.
Examine the methods for getting things done in the office and plan the best way to implement EMR with a minimum of disruption. How will doctors access the system? How will paper records be scanned? Who will have access and for what purpose? Visualize how the system will run after the software is in place.
It's possible procedures will have to be changed as part of the transition to electronic records. If so, implement as many of these changes as possible before the EMR is in place. This will separate the changes from EMR adoption, reducing resentment against the software and easing the learning curve.
EMR Is Coming
Most experts agree that the question of EMR as the standard practice management system is not a matter of "if" but of "when." A well-designed system is a great asset to a practice. Government incentives such as ARRA should greatly increase adoption rates. Soon, a practice will have to have some kind of EMR to remain competitive.
Rather than fighting the inevitable and focusing on past problems, practices should re-examine modern offerings. They might be pleasantly surprised by how functional and non-intrusive today's EMR systems are. Once people get past their natural resistance to change, they will find the new system allows the office to run more productively. The best systems are nearly invisible, allowing doctors to focus on the practice of medicine rather than the shuffling of papers.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about an EMR system, visit http://www.freedommd.com/FreedomProgram.htm.