How to train a chiropractic assistant on EHR software

Sponsored by ACOM Health

Your chiropractic assistant and front-desk employees keep your practice’s administrative side humming, so make sure they have the knowledge they need by providing EHR training.

The more your chiropractic assistant knows, the more efficiently they can work. You can establish regular training days with either free or purchased resources. Provide learning materials, opportunities to ask questions, and tailor the information to fit the role of each EHR student in your practice.

By taking charge of your office’s EHR system training, you will help your practice be better prepared for both daily tasks and occasional technology challenges.

Customized training with vendor help

Your EHR vendor can be an excellent resource for training ideas. Many vendors offer classes, on-site training, webinars, and other educational resources for learning more about your EHR system. Ask your vendor about available options.

Free resources may also be available online, such as user forums where you can ask questions and communicate with other clinics who use the same EHR you do.¹-²

Dedicating a weekly or monthly meeting to EHR training is one way to provide ongoing learning in your clinic. Staff members can take turns leading meetings with a new EHR tip to use, practice record to enter into the system, or another software idea to discuss. Scheduling consistent training meetings will help your employees become and stay proficient.²

Organizing your trainings

As you train others, you can organize your trainings in several different ways depending on the needs of your clinic. The federal government’s HealthIT.gov website recommends these different approaches to EHR training:¹

• Train super users: Choose one or more staff members to receive special training in the EHR system in order to train others in your practice. This allows your practice to have an on-site ‘expert’ around to help their coworkers learn how to use the program. Super users should be knowledgeable of how your EHR system operates and is used in your practice.

• Train for specific roles: Depending on the roles and job descriptions of each staff member, you can create specific training. Consider the specific job duties assigned to each employee and develop a simple learning plan outlining aspects of the EHR to cover in your training sessions. From there, you can provide each employee with learning resources that are relevant to job.

• Train using processes: Develop a workflow based on the activities occurring in your clinic, then isolate specific processes that use EHR as part of that workflow. When, for instance, a new patient stops by your clinic for a first appointment, you and your staff likely apply a specific series of processes from the front desk to the exam room. At each point in the workflow, there are situations where EHR software is used. You can use each of these processes as focal point for training sessions and teach skills based on the specific EHR processes your employees complete throughout their workday. This can also help your chiropractic assistant understand how their work fits into the entire patient encounter.

Training your employees can help your practice maximize your EHR’s potential as a technological tool. Be sure to help your employees feel as comfortable and confident using your software as possible. This process may require substantial patience as your staff adjust to new systems, techniques, or strategies.

Develop EHR proficiency

If you yourself struggle to use EHR, consider requesting help from your vendor to create a training strategy. Training can be short and simple, although thorough training may help you improve your own understanding and lead your EHR team effectively.

About ACOM Health

ACOM Health is a leading provider of innovative software and services developed by and for chiropractors. We are a division of ACOM Solutions, Inc., a 34 year old U.S. based corporation that supports thousands of businesses and healthcare organizations worldwide.

References 

¹healthit.gov. “How should I train my staff?” HealthIT.gov. https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/how-should-i-train-my-staff. Published: January 2013. Accessed: November 2016.

²Steps forward.org. “Introduction: Ten steps to a successful EHR implementation.” The American Medical Association. https://www.stepsforward.org/modules/ehr-implementation. Published: March 2015. Accessed: November 2016.