"I didn't know you could do that": A Pilot Assessment of EHR Optimization Training

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Education
• Primary Care Research

Background:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs) offer tools like data rosters and clinical reminders to disseminate care guidelines.
• Varied adoption of EHR tools may stem from inadequate training for primary care providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot training program for EHR use optimization in community health centers (CHCs).
• To identify critical factors for successful EHR optimization training in CHCs.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, involving a 2-day, 16-hour EHR use optimization training program.
• Trainees were surveyed pre- and post-training (immediately and 3 months later).
• Post-training interviews with staff and a focus group with trainers were conducted.

Main Results:

• Six CHCs participated, with 122 staff members attending the training.
• Most participants reported high satisfaction with the training.
• Eighty percent of respondents indicated changes in their daily EHR use three months post-training.

Conclusions:

• Key factors for EHR training in CHCs include addressing participation barriers and customizing content to clinic needs and staff roles.
• Assessing trainee skill levels is beneficial but challenging; in-person training and practice coaches may enhance effectiveness.
• Further research is required to determine the most effective methods for delivering EHR optimization training.