Article
EHR optimization: Enhancing efficiency and elevating patient care
Feb. 11, 2025 · Authored by Ed Ricks, Kathy Kuhar
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, maximizing the potential of electronic health record (EHR) systems is crucial. EHR optimization not only enhances workflows but also improves patient care and ensures a return on investment (ROI). Despite these benefits, many organizations indicate that they are not maximizing their EHR’s full potential, leaving room for significant improvement in workflows, data capture and resource utilization.
Baker Tilly healthcare IT specialists recently discussed strategies for optimizing EHRs in a recent panel discussion with industry CIOs. In this discussion, they highlighted how these strategies drive efficiency, reduce costs and elevate patient outcomes. Below are a few of the topics discussed, biggest lessons learned, key areas for improvement and takeaways:
Q: What areas of optimization bring the greatest ROI for healthcare providers?
A: Optimization improves workflows, revenue capture and reduces administrative burdens. For example, standardizing scheduling processes and addressing pharmacy drug pricing gaps significantly impact ROI. Identifying and closing these gaps is key.
Q: How does ROI influence technology implementation decisions?
A: ROI is a critical factor. For example, tele sitting shows clear ROI by reducing staffing needs, while maintaining or improving quality. Virtual nursing and centralized telemetry have reduced travel nurse expenses and improved retention. Strong data supports these metrics, ensuring financial and quality outcomes.
Q: Can you elaborate on strategic pricing in pharmacy management?
A: Rising drug costs and inconsistent pricing lead to lost revenue. Analyzing pharmacy claims optimizes reimbursement while ensuring compliance. For example, one client achieved a projected ROI of $11.3 million gross by addressing pricing inefficiencies.
Q: What motivates clinicians to adopt cost-effective practices?
A: Data-driven transparency fosters accountability and improvement. Clear, comparative data motivates clinicians, aligning practices with performance methodologies.
Q: What role does AI play in EHR optimization?
A: AI enables real-time decision support and streamlines documentation. For instance, clinical AI agents can prepopulate notes and queue up orders, significantly reducing provider workload. This has helped clinicians complete documentation during work hours, reducing burnout. Additionally, AI enhances workflows through ambient listening and predictive alerts, improving patient care and clinician satisfaction.
Q: How can AI help reduce waste in the operating room?
A: AI tracks unused supplies, identifying wasteful practices. Presenting data through gamified dashboards motivates behavioral changes, like reducing unnecessary pack openings, empowering teams to make cost-effective decisions.
Q: How can documentation processes be optimized?
A: Documentation should focus on value, not volume. Eliminating redundant data entry and embracing practices like documenting by exception reduces cognitive burden. Clean, structured data is essential for enabling AI-driven tools and improving interoperability, ultimately enhancing the clinician experience.
Q: How does virtual nursing impact efficiency and patient care?
A: Virtual nursing has been transformative. It reduces documentation time, allowing nurses to focus on patient care and improve quality outcomes like fewer hospital-acquired infections. It also addresses nurse shortages by enabling experienced nurses to support teams remotely, reducing reliance on costly travel nurses.
Q: What challenges and opportunities exist in integrating EHR with ERP systems?
A: Integration is critical for efficient operations, particularly in areas like supply chain management and surgical workflows. Disconnects between systems can lead to errors, such as outdated supplies appearing on preference cards. Implementing robust processes ensures accurate synchronization between systems, improving both efficiency and patient care outcomes.
Q: How did you address scheduling inefficiencies after Epic implementation?
A: Standardized templates reduced inefficiencies, enabling providers to see more patients or allocate time for administrative tasks. Collaboration between IT and operations ensured alignment and efficiency.
Q: Can you explain how centralized systems like the Pulse Center enhance operations?
A: The Pulse Center acts as a control center, improving throughput and resource allocation. Using EHR data, it standardizes transfer and bed placement processes, leading to better care delivery and efficiency. Virtual sitting and centralized documentation have streamlined operations across the system.
Q: Can you share an example of leveraging technology to overcome challenges?
A: After a cyber event at a newly acquired hospital, a streamlined EHR system was deployed within 30 days to maintain patient care. Despite some limitations, it ensured efficient documentation and highlighted the importance of robust, adaptable systems.
Q: Can you share a recent digital optimization effort?
A: Post-Epic implementation, we addressed change management, training and workflow challenges through committees focused on digital adoption. We analyzed metrics like after-hours usage and tool adoption rates, addressing issues such as workflow inefficiencies and training gaps. With targeted improvements and collaboration, we enhanced tool utilization and workflow standardization.
Q: What’s the key takeaway for organizations considering these changes?
A: Collaboration is critical. Engaging leaders across clinical, operational, and technology domains, combined with data-driven improvements, drives significant operational and
