Optimize and Thrive: An Electronic Health Record Optimization Program Case Study

Although electronic health record optimization programs are common in healthcare organizations, a dearth of published evaluations of these programs exists. Little is known about the ability of optimization programs to handle flooding requests for change and achieve their objectives of cost savings, value, quality of care, and efficiency. This program evaluation reviewed one organization's electronic health record clinical optimization program. The evaluation examines the implementation of the insulin dosing calculator project at five hospitals within a large nonprofit healthcare organization using interviews, project documents, reported insulin dosing errors, and workflow observation to determine if the program provides sufficient structure and processes to successfully implement large optimization projects and achieve the project's desired outcomes. This evaluation finds that the optimization program processes support the implementation of large projects. The program can improve the planning of human resources to increase productivity and reduce waste. A clearer definition of meaningful project outcomes at the onset would allow the program to measure and communicate its accomplishments across the organization.