EHR software is often intimidating enough that many chiropractors avoid learning how to make the most of this software’s many features and uses.
If you are diligent and approach your EHR training with a healthy sense of curiosity, you too can maximize your own understanding of EHR software and learn powerful new skills that reduce your workload.
Once you master your system’s features, you may be more confident training others in your clinic how to access the system. Feeling more comfortable with your EHR system may also allow you to shorten your workday and access information more quickly, enabling you to work more efficiently.¹
To start, locate the resources you will need to learn about your system. From there, find opportunities to practice what you are learning.
Where to find EHR training resources
Your EHR vendor should have classes, training materials, webinars, or books available to help you get started. Many vendors also have trainers that travel to practices and deliver educational seminars on-site.¹
If you prefer to learn independently, you will probably still have questions and you may encounter problems. In either case, you may want the opportunity to ask a trainer for help. Tech support helplines are not always the best way to obtain quick answers to simple questions, but you should know how your vendor answers user questions.¹
Ask if they offer an online forum where you can interact with other users, ask questions, and learn as a group. There, you can find other DCs who are going through the same process. Connecting with other doctors who also use your EHR system may help you identify gaps in your knowledge, show you how other practices solved similar problems, and enable you to share what you know.¹
Practice your skills
As you learn, try creating demo patient records and testing various features. Many systems have a training mode where you can make changes without impacting real records. Before doing anything in your EHR software that you are not comfortable with, try it with a fake record within training mode.¹
Create a habit of continuously learning more about your software and you may eventually become a power-user. Set aside a small amount of time and dedicate it to learning and practicing something new on your EHR system.
For instance, you could dedicate a twenty minute block every week to review reference materials for your system and practicing one skill. If you participate in a user forum, spend a few minutes a week browsing the discussion board and posting your thoughts and suggestions. Sometimes teaching is the best way to learn, so you could also hold a short training session for staff members once every other week and review some aspect of the system as a group.¹
Conferences, webinars, and on-site courses are also available to update you on trends, changes, and new features. Ask your vendor if these options are available for your system, then choose the continuing education that makes sense for you and your practice. In-person conferences may require travel, but webinars are often widely available and allow for flexible scheduling.¹
Reduce your risk
By learning more with EHR training, you are also helping to prevent future problems with your system. Not knowing how to complete various tasks in your system can lead to more mistakes and wasted time and resources.
Some EHR mistakes can be costly and risky as well. The wrong shortcuts can actually introduce mistakes into patient records and result in reduced care quality. Even worse, you could be held liable. Learning to use your EHR system properly is part of your due diligence as a user of EHR software.¹
In addition to protecting your clinic, EHR training can also boost your practice’s efficiency by helping you access and use patient records more effectively. For many chiropractors, becoming a better EHR user is well worth the time and effort.
References
¹Peck, AD. “EHR implementation: Training pays dividends.” Medical Economics. http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/content/tags/accelerating-roi-your-ehr-purchase/ehr-implementation-training-pays-d. Published: July 2013. Accessed: October 2016.