Taking a Team Approach: Keep Up with the EHR with a Training and Optimization Program

Rachel K. McEntee; Juvena R. Hitt; Amber Sieja

doi:10.1055/a-2437-0185

Applied Clinical Informatics, Table of Contents

Appl Clin Inform 2025; 16(01): 128-136
DOI: 10.1055/a-2437-0185

Research Article

Taking a Team Approach: Keep Up with the EHR with a Training and Optimization Program

Rachel K. McEntee

¹Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Health Network, Burlington, Vermont, United States

,

Juvena R. Hitt

²Department of Medicine Quality Program, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Vermont, United States

,

Amber Sieja

³Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, UCHealth Sprint EHR Optimization and Training Program, UCHealth and Ambulatory Services, Aurora, Colorado, United States

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to describe the current landscape of electronic health record (EHR) training and optimization programs (ETOPs) and their impact on health care workers' (HCWs) experience with the EHR.

Methods A 72-question electronic survey was developed and distributed to health care organization (HCO) leaders in clinical informatics (Chief Medical Information Officer [CMIO]/Chief Nursing Information Officer [CNIO]/Medical Informatics Executive, Associate CMIO/Medical Director of, Clinical/Nurse/Physician Informaticist) through various channels such as national informatics conferences, social media, and email distribution lists of vendors and informatics associations. The survey collected data on the characteristics, resourcing, approach, and outcomes of ETOPs. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data.

Results There were 193 responses from 147 distinct HCOs. Of these, 69% offer ongoing EHR training, and 52% offer some version of an ETOP. Offered ETOPs vary in their timing, modality, audience, team composition, duration, and EHR build strategy. The most commonly measured outcomes were EHR satisfaction, efficiency, and provider burnout, and most ETOPs reported improvement in these areas.

Conclusion The findings suggest that ETOPs are inconsistently implemented across HCOs, and while there are some commonalities, there is a wide variety of designs and methods of evaluation for the programs. Though the problems to solve (EHR efficiency, proficiency, and satisfaction) are the same, the organizational structure and culture of HCOs vary widely, which may partially explain the variability seen in reported ETOPs. When considering the measured outcomes, ETOPs may have direct and indirect effects on HCW burnout by improving EHR efficiency and satisfaction, as well as driving organizational culture toward teamwork and flexible problem-solving. For this reason, ETOPs may also serve as a model for addressing other challenges in health care delivery. ETOPs are a promising intervention to enhance HCW experience with the EHR and reduce burnout. More research is needed to identify the optimal features, methods, and outcomes of ETOPs, and to disseminate them across HCOs.

Keywords

clinical informatics - electronic health record - burnout - health care workers - organizational culture

Full Text

References

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