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How the EHR transforms the HIM department: two stories. Document imaging, workflow restructure department
Therese McCarthy1, Marlene Johnson
1Health Information Services, HealthEast Care System, St. Paul, MN, USA. tmccarth@healtheast.org
Journal of AHIMA
|September 18, 2002
Summary
The implementation of electronic health records (EHR) significantly transformed Health Information Management (HIM) departments, leading to positive changes in job roles, leadership, and physical organization.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Administration
Background:
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) are increasingly adopted in healthcare.
- The impact of EHR on Health Information Management (HIM) departments is significant.
- Changes in HIM departments include job descriptions, leadership, and physical layout.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of EHR implementation on HIM departments.
- To understand how EHR revolutionized HIM processes.
- To highlight positive transformations in two HIM departments post-EHR.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of two HIM departments.
- Qualitative assessment of changes in job descriptions and leadership.
- Evaluation of physical layout adjustments.
Main Results:
- EHR implementation led to redefined job descriptions within HIM.
- Leadership roles and structures in HIM departments evolved.
- Physical spaces of HIM departments were reorganized.
Conclusions:
- EHR implementation positively transformed HIM departments.
- Adaptation to EHR resulted in improved departmental functioning.
- The study provides insights into successful EHR integration in HIM.