Adoption

The CMS EHR incentive program has created a feeding frenzy in the EHR marketplace as health care providers of all shapes and sizes scramble to implement an EHR. Hospitals and eligible professionals (like nephrologists) can earn substantial financial incentives over the next several years by demonstrating meaningful use of a certified EHR. Providers using paper records are quickly identifying and purchasing technology and, subsequently, are in a hurry to implement their newly acquired EHR. While it is too early to measure the impact of this program on the acquisition of EHRs by providers, we have certainly noticed a substantial increase in demand by nephrologists since the program was clarified last year.

 

As with every financial incentive, the CMS EHR program has the potential for unintended consequences. One such consequence that warrants close attention is the very real prospect that we will focus on implementation at the expense of adoption. The Stage 1 objectives are in effect “baby steps” designed to insure that providers begin to develop a basic proficiency with their EHR. Part of the risk with this approach is that providers will focus so much of their attention on the meaningful use objectives that they will not capture the full value the EHR can deliver when true adoption takes place.

 

Last week I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Heather Haugen speak about the adoption of technology. Heather knows quite a bit about the subject and is the co-author of a book on the subject. During her presentation last week she made an informative analogy I would like to share with you. The successful adoption of an EHR is very similar to a successful marriage.

 

Marriages typically start with a wedding and the wedding is often a huge event with substantial planning and attention to detail. (Friday’s wedding across the pond was a bit over the top, but you get the point.) In this analogy, Heather points out the “go live” date is similar to the wedding. Both are important events and should be appropriately celebrated. But each can be considered an important milestone during respective journeys. EHR adoption, like a successful marriage, requires commitment and work. Both are accompanied by challenges as well as rewards.

 

My wife of 27 years (now in her second year of utilizing our EHR) might take issue with this analogy, but I think we can learn a lot from it.

 

1. The “go live” date is an important milestone for your EHR installation. It often signals the end of implementation and it is an occasion for celebration.
2. Adoption is a long-term process, one that requires a substantial amount of time and commitment.
3. Adoption, not implementation, should be the principal goal in your relationship with the EHR and although it can be a challenging journey at times, it is adoption of the EHR that will bring you the greatest value.

 

If you have an interest in learning more about adoption, I highly recommend Heather’s book. In the meantime, don’t let the EHR incentive program lead you astray. Stay focused on the ultimate goal—EHR adoption.