Interdisciplinary SWAT: An Organizational Initiative to Quickly Identify and Resolve EHR Issues.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Clinical Workflow Optimization
• Digital Health Technology

Background:

• Mental health hospitals face challenges in care delivery due to suboptimal digital technology and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Inefficiencies in EHR systems can lead to increased clinician burden, reduced user experience, and potential burnout.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the process and results of an interdisciplinary SWAT (Software/System Troubleshooting and Action Team) initiative.
• To improve care delivery by optimizing digital technology and the EHR system within a mental health hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• Formation of an interdisciplinary SWAT team comprising various clinicians and technical experts.
• Triage and rapid resolution of over 136 identified EHR issues.
• Fostering clinician-led innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Main Results:

• Significant enhancement of user experience and system usability of the EHR.
• Measurable improvements in clinician workflow, including reduced documentation time.
• Demonstrated minimization of clinician burnout through efficient issue resolution.

Conclusions:

• An interdisciplinary SWAT approach effectively addresses EHR issues in mental health settings.
• Optimizing digital technology and EHR systems through rapid, clinician-driven initiatives enhances usability and reduces burnout.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to successful digital health transformation in healthcare.