Readiness of a Specialty Allergy and Asthma Clinic to Adopt An Electronic Health Record

Abstract

Background: Electronic Health Records (EHR) are digital versions of patients' charts (HealthIT.gov, 2013). The government has incentivized current use to allow all healthcare organizations to progress from paper charting. Goals of EHR adoption include improving workflow, documentation, and to improve the quality of care being provided (Weiner, Fowles, & Chan, 2012). Objective: The purpose of this DNP project was to conduct a readiness assessment of the asthma and allergy specialty organization's staff members to identify perceived barriers and advantages of adopting an EHR. Design: This project was guided by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement (Institute for Healthcare Improvement [IHI], 2016). This model was incorporated with the PDSA cycle and DOQ-IT EHR Implementation Roadmap. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Setting: Allergy and asthma specialty practice consisting of 12 clinics within the Denver Metro and Northern Colorado area. Participants: 155 members of the organization including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, front office and administrative staff. Measurements: 60 out of 155 staff members completed the readiness assessment survey from HealthInsight (HealthInsight, n.d.).Results: A response rate of 38.7% (n=60) of participants completed the readiness assessment survey. The top two barriers were medical records being unavailable (n= 48, 80%) and the inability to read what is written in the medical record (n= 51, 85%). The top barrier for adopting EHR is having the system freeze or crash (n=36, 65%), followed by, 22 participants or 40% stating EHR is depersonalizing in an exam room. The highest advantage identified was the reduction in paper-based medical charting and filing (n=56, 93%). The second highest advantage was more timely access to patient records (n=55, 92%).Conclusion: Perceived barriers and advantages for EHR adoption within the organization are similar to what literature has currently identified. The information gained from this study will provide a better understanding of the decision and adoption process. The information will help the organization decide whether or not to adopt EHR and how to successfully move through the DOQ-IT EHR Implementation Roadmap, IHI Model for Improvement and PDSA cycle.