Name
#69 HAPPiness in Continuous Process Improvement: Having the Right Information for the Right Documentation and the Right Orders in the Right Place, Right Now!
Content Presented on Behalf of
Navy
Services/Agencies represented
US Navy
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Medical Technology, Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
Outcomes: By the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to 1. Utilize a centralized database to improve EHR use efficiency; 2. Identify EHR vulnerabilities for mis-ordering and mis-documentation; 3. Integrate electronic references into personal practice to reduce provider burnout.
Session Currently Live
Description
Background: A 2024 Government Accountability Office report identified opportunities for improved performance in the current Defense Health Agency (DHA) electronic health record (EHR). To overcome EHR shortcomings in the clinically focused areas of efficiency and quality care cited by the report, we know providers often employ individualized and inconsistent work arounds which may lead to frustration and burnout. We investigated the utility of a centralized, departmental reference tool to improve accuracy and efficiency in patient care duties involving the EHR. Methods: We surveyed staff physicians, midwives, and residents in one academic program on resources they use to overcome EHR impediments. Using the “Just do it” model of process improvement, we developed a centralized database in a Google Sheets App with “How-to” references for multiple critical EHR tasks, as well as department specific information. Following a departmental orientation to the “App”, subsequent surveys assessed the app’s utility in overcoming common EHR and information access challenges. Results: Pre-App launch, the most used data retrieval resources were “Memory” and “Colleagues.” “Guess” was also a commonly used resource. Post-launch, “Guess” significantly decreased as a resource. The app was used the most to access the least frequently used information and was accessed the most by those with the least experience with the EHR. Conclusion: This Google Drive based information retrieval “App” demonstrated utility in providing convenient and accurate information for completing patient care tasks. This may then improve patient experience with the healthcare system as well as provider experience with the EHR. “App” elements should be considered for improving clinical care consistency in Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics departments across the DHA.