Concurrent process redesign and clinical documentation system implementation: a 6-month success story

The need for accurate, timely, and complete clinical information has become critical as health care organizations compete on the basis of cost and quality. The automation of clinical documentation as part of the development of the computer-based patient record is a vital step in providing such information. As processes such as clinical documentation become automated, it is important that they are first redesigned both to maximize the capabilities of the new system and to increase their operational efficiencies. Riverside HealthCare in Kankakee, Illinois recognized this opportunity and successfully redesigned and automated its clinical documentation in 6 months. The article describes the necessary organizational commitment and project structure. Resource dedication, staff empowerment, physician involvement, and vendor partnership also are discussed. In addition, the documentation redesign, automation objectives, and lessons learned are reviewed.