Introduction:
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) system’s pivotal role is improving healthcare processes and patient care. Identifying and addressing user-related problems is crucial in oncology for ensuring system effectiveness ( Choirunnah et al., 2022). This study focuses on analyzing user-related problems identified in the EHR system at Universal Health, examining resulting gaps, exploring expansion opportunities, and recommending developments to improve the clinical workflow setting.
User-Related Problems Identified in the EHR:
A thorough analysis has discovered Several user-related problems in the EHR system. One notable problem is the inefficiency found in prior authorization and financial coordination processes. Obtaining insurance approvals for cancer treatments can be delayed and inefficient due to the absence of a standardized workflow for managing prior authorizations in the current system( Choirunnah et al., 2022). This compromises Timely patient care, along with added administrative burdens for clinicians and staff.
Another concern concerns the need for more functionality and workflow for oncology clinicians. Oncology clinicians need more support for their unique requirements from the EHR system, which results in suboptimal documentation and limited access to relevant patient information. It also poses challenges in data extraction and trend analysis. Clinicians’ workflow efficiency and effectiveness suffer due to the need for tailored tools and features specifically designed for oncology care. EHR system’s functionality for oncology navigators is limited( Choirunnah et al .,2022). Cancer patients greatly rely on these navigators for comprehensive support and guidance. Due to the absence of dedicated tools and features in the current system, oncology navigators encounter difficulties in efficiently navigating the complex cancer care journey. Addressing the psychosocial needs of patients.
Gaps Resulting from the Identified Problems:
The user-related problems identified give rise to several significant gaps in the EHR system. Missing integration between prior authorization and clinical workflows is a noteworthy gap. Having a seamless coordination process between prior authorization and clinical care leads to connected patient care and repetitive documentation( Choirunnah et al., 2022). Delayed initiation of essential cancer treatments is another potential consequence. This gap compromises patient outcomes, and clinicians experience an increased administrative burden.
The system needs more data management and reporting capabilities to create another gap. The oncology care evaluation of outcomes cannot be done accurately because the EHR system needs to provide sufficiently comprehensive and distinct data fields. Impeding evidence-based decision-making and hindering quality improvement initiatives, monitoring and tracking patient outcomes effectively becomes challenging. Inconsistent documentation practices and limited information accessibility cause the EHR system significant gaps.
Opportunities to Expand and Develop EHR Capabilities:
The optimization of the clinical workflow setting within the EHR system requires careful consideration of several key developments. User-centered design sessions and usability testing are crucial for streamlining and standardizing documentation practices. Efficiency will be improved, and documentation errors will be reduced with oncology care’s personalized workflows, simplified navigation, and intuitive interfaces. They will also enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. Decision support tools can greatly improve patient care within the clinical workflow( Choirunnah et al., 2022). Evidence-based treatment recommendations, drug interaction alerts or contraindications, and access to clinical guidelines could be included in these tools. Integrating decision-support functionalities into the EHR system allows oncology clinicians to receive assistance in making informed treatment decisions. Bettering patient safety and outcomes can be achieved with this.
A solution that considers the user for the identified EHR problem:
A user-focused solution to the problems identified in the EHR system could be introducing an Oncology Care Module. This module can enhance the user experience and provide improved care for patients with oncology. Oncology clinicians and navigators would have their specific needs met with this custom module. It must comprise customized workflows, thorough data inputs, and dedicated characteristics for managing pre-authorization requirements, organizing post-treatment care plans, and providing psychological counseling( Choirunnah et al., 2022). this module shall provide a cohesive platform. Oncology professionals’ specific challenges would be addressed, improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a comprehensive approach is necessary to bridge the known gaps and exploit any opportunity for expansion. The process also entails implementing solutions that prioritize the user. The EHR system can be a powerful tool in supporting efficient and user-friendly oncology care by customizing features for oncology navigators, incorporating prior authorization workflows, optimizing clinical workflow, and enhancing data management capabilities. Delivering better care to patients is achievable for healthcare providers with the aid of it. Patient outcomes can be improved, processes can be streamlined, and healthcare professionals can be empowered to deliver optimal oncology care by Universal Health through these improvements.
References
Strauss, A. T., Martinez, D. A., Garcia-Arce, A., Taylor, S., Mateja, C., Fabri, P. J., & Zayas-Castro, J. L. (2015). A user needs assessment to inform health information exchange design and implementation. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-015-0207-
Choirunnah, L., Budi, S. C., & Intanida, W. R. (2022). Readiness to implement electronic medical records based on the California community clinic EHR assessment and readiness (CCCEAR) instrument. Jurnal Aisyah: Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan, 7(4), 1363-1370. https://aisyah.journalpress.id/index.php/jika/article/view/1921
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