Post Implementation Support from PITO: Maximizing the Value of EMRs

Recent Article in the BCMJ 53 Vol10, 'Maximizing the Value of EMRs'

by Jeremy Smith, PITO Program Director

With almost 65% of eligible physicians having adopted an EMR in their practice in British Columbia, several trends are becoming clear. As discussed in previous articles, the 65% of physicians who have adopted EMRs are heavily weighted toward non-urban physicians in group practice, and particularly physicians in communities that have established divisions of family practice and EMR communities of practice. Urban solo and small clinics trail well behind and make up most of
the remaining 35%.

It has also become increasingly evident that there is extensive variation in the levels of EMR use, with many different contributing factors.
Even within a single town, a single group practice, and among users of the same EMR system, the level ofeffective use of the EMR can vary significantly.
The reasons may include an individual’s basic computer and typing skills, time spent learning the new EMR, quality of training, willingness to adapt, and flexibility and ease of use of specific templates and tools in the EMR. Adopting EMRs is a complex change. Everyone adopting EMR goes through similar cycles of progress and barriers—the important part is having the time and support to break through the barriers. Looking close to home, we have seen the highest levels of effective use where physicians participating in local EMR communities of practice (COPs) have established EMR user groups and a network of physician and medical office assistant peer mentors,and more effectively engaged with their EMR vendors for training and support.

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