Authors

  1. Bobadilla, Joseph L. MD, FACS
  2. Roe, Cathy S.
  3. Estes, Patricia RN
  4. Lackey, Jennifer RN
  5. Steltenkamp, Carol L. MD, MBA, FAAP, FHIMSS

Abstract

The implementation of electronic health records is a challenging, complex process requiring significant resources. The temptation is to convert a paper process into electronic format. This strategy fosters a familiar product to the users but is fraught with pitfalls. We chose to utilize the opportunity of the implementation of an enterprise-wide ambulatory electronic health record to foster an overreaching clinical and operational improvement project in a multispecialty surgical ambulatory clinic practice. We interrogated every aspect of the practice: clinic design, scheduling, physical space, staffing, and clinical and operational workflows. We present here the results of a 3-year process improvement.