Additional Resources
Healthcare, like any industry, is shifting towards digitization and technology. The benefits of going paperless, such as cost savings, time reduction, and improved interoperability, make this logical shift particularly relevant in this sector. However, this journey may not be as straightforward as it seems. It often requires professionals to adapt and conscientiously incorporate new practices into their day-to-day work. Here’s a handy guide to transitioning from traditional paper-based processes to a seamless digital environment.
The Power of Embracing Change
The decision to shift to a paperless system must be acknowledged and accepted by all team members. Resistance to change can stall the implementation process when transitioning from paper to software. However, once the mindset embraces the need for change, the transition becomes attainably feasible.
Dr. Larry Earl, a speaker at NAOHP Events, describes his experiences in achieving a paperless journey, “…there was no one software vendor meeting all our requirements when we got through with all of our interviews. The most difficult part of transitioning from paper to software, in my opinion, is the mindset that goes behind the transition.”
This transition is crucial, especially in today’s healthcare landscape where efficient and speedy operations are required.
Reviewing Use of Paper and Transitioning Documents
While going fully paperless seems like an ideal goal, in reality, there will always be some form of documentation that can’t be manually entered into the software. Hence, an extensive review of the various types of documents being utilized can provide insight into what your software needs to be. By implementing this approach, you can discard outdated forms or items that are no longer necessary because the information can be obtained via the software.
Selection of Bird-View Towards Software Selection
Choosing a software solution is a tremendous decision for any healthcare facility. Due to the plethora of electronic health record providers, it’s critical to document your needs to ensure they align with prospective providers. Prioritize employing stakeholders from various departments such as IT, executive, safety, infection control, and most importantly, your hands-on staff. These stakeholders provide differing viewpoints that baseline the effective software selection.
Addressing the Placement of Hardware
Beyond going paperless, there are additional challenges to overcome. The placement of signature pads, scanners, or cameras can significantly impact the transition process. For example, if you lean towards capturing patient or employee signatures at the front desk, you have to make sure the paperwork needing these signatures is already in the software or your software is configured to accept electronic signatures.
Reporting in a Paperless Environment
Going paperless extends beyond the medical record itself. Reporting also naturally follows this path since manual reporting can typically be an arduous task. However, once the required reports are generated and verified for accuracy, you can memorize and batch similar reports together for easy generation—resulting in a more streamlined, efficient reporting process.
Conclusion
The journey to going paperless is a major transition, incorporating numerous aspects of your healthcare operations. The initial phases might seem intimidating, but the benefits of digitizing your operations make it worthwhile. As Eddie Stahl puts it, “while going 100 percent paperless is a good goal to have, in reality, there will always be some documentation that cannot be manually entered into your software.”
Nevertheless, becoming paperless or at least aiming towards that goal is a worthwhile endeavor. It not only allows your operations to keep pace with the digital revolution taking place but also improves the efficiency, safety, and environment-friendly nature of your operations.
