Appl Clin Inform 2021; 12(02): 329-339
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728699
Review Article

Multidisciplinary Sprint Program Achieved Specialty-Specific EHR Optimization in 20 Clinics

Amber Sieja
1   Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Eric Kim
2   Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Heather Holmstrom
2   Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Stephen Rotholz
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Chen Tan Lin
1   Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Christine Gonzalez
4   University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Cortney Arellano
4   University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Sarah Hutchings
4   University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Denise Henderson
4   University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
,
Katie Markley
5   University of Colorado Health Medical Group and University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

Objective The objective of the study was to highlight and analyze the outcomes of software configuration requests received from Sprint, a comprehensive, clinic-centered electronic health record (EHR) optimization program.

Methods A retrospective review of 1,254 Sprint workbook requests identified (1) the responsible EHR team, (2) the clinical efficiency gained from the request, and (3) the EHR intervention conducted.

Results Requests were received from 407 clinicians and 538 staff over 31 weeks of Sprint. Sixty-nine percent of the requests were completed during the Sprint. Of all requests, 25% required net new build, 73% required technical investigation and/or solutions, and 2% of the requests were escalated to the vendor. The clinical specialty groups requested a higher percentage of items that earned them clinical review (16 vs. 10%) and documentation (29 vs. 23%) efficiencies compared with their primary care colleagues who requested slightly more order modifications (22 vs. 20%). Clinical efficiencies most commonly associated with workbook requests included documentation (28%), ordering (20%), in basket (17%), and clinical review (15%). Sprint user requests evaluated by ambulatory, hardware, security, and training teams comprised 80% of reported items.

Discussion Sprint requests were categorized as clean-up, break-fix, workflow investigation, or new build. On-site collaboration with clinical care teams permitted consensus-building, drove vetting, and iteration of EHR build, and led to goal-driven, usable workflows and EHR products.

Conclusion This program evaluation demonstrates the process by which optimization can occur and the products that result when we adhere to optimization principles in health care organizations.

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board reviewed this study which qualified as exempt. No human subjects were involved in this study.




Publication History

Received: 20 December 2020

Accepted: 03 March 2021

Article published online:
21 April 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
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