A Health System's Pilot Experience with Using Social Knowledge Networking (SKN) Technology to Enable Meaningful Use...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Knowledge Management

Background:

• AU Health experienced low physician engagement and limited use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) technology.
• This resulted in medication discrepancies and inaccurate patient medication lists during care transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a Social Knowledge Networking (SKN) system to enhance EHR MedRec technology use.
• To enable AU Health to progress from limited use to meaningful use of EHR MedRec.
• To foster inter-professional knowledge exchange and learning on EHR MedRec best practices.

Main Methods:

• Secured a two-year grant from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
• Piloted a Social Knowledge Networking (SKN) system focused on EHR Medication Reconciliation (MedRec).
• Facilitated inter-professional knowledge exchange across diverse provider subgroups and care settings.

Main Results:

• Increased provider engagement in addressing EHR MedRec issues.
• Promoted inter-professional learning of best practices for EHR MedRec.
• Created a foundation for practice change and improvement in EHR MedRec utilization.

Conclusions:

• Social Knowledge Networking (SKN) systems have the potential to improve inter-professional learning and practice.
• SKN systems can enable meaningful use of EHR MedRec technology.
• Identified strategies and practice implications for healthcare managers regarding EHR MedRec improvement.