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

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Optimization

Background:

• Electronic health record (EHR) optimization programs are prevalent but under-evaluated.
• Limited data exists on their capacity to manage change and achieve goals like cost savings and quality improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an EHR clinical optimization program's effectiveness in implementing a large-scale project.
• To assess the program's structure and processes for managing complex optimization initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Program evaluation of an insulin dosing calculator project across five hospitals.
• Utilized interviews, project documents, error reports, and workflow observations.

Main Results:

• The EHR optimization program demonstrated robust processes supporting large project implementation.
• The program has the potential to enhance human resource planning, boosting productivity and reducing waste.
• Improved definition of project outcomes is recommended for better measurement and communication of achievements.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated EHR optimization program effectively supports large-scale project implementation.
• Further refinement in defining project outcomes can enhance the program's ability to demonstrate value and impact.
• Optimization programs can be structured to improve resource allocation and operational efficiency in healthcare organizations.