Effective EMR Training: What to Look for from Your Vendor

By Sheldon Needle

Many EMR experts -- both on the user side and the training side – agree that comprehensive training in the specifics of EMR software -- or the absence of it, can be one of the most costly aspects of the transition from a paper based medical practice to an EMR /EHR.

Making the move to an EMR, and failing to train your staff adequately, can sour your entire staff, top to bottom, on the use of the EMR. You certainly need to avoid such a situation.

Here are some considerations and precautions to keep in mind and to discuss with your EMR vendor when evaluation the purchase or leasing of an EMR / EHR: Some of them will surprise you:

1. Your youngest and least academically sophisticated employees will probably have the least trouble learning to use your EMR. That is because they are computer savvy, and are used to texting, apps, and intuitive computer use. Your most sophisticated applications may be used by your least computer-savvy users: older doctors and nurses. Do not assume that they will know what to do without training. Do not allow your vendor to talk away the need to train your most senior employees.
2. Make sure your implementation schedule is reasonable. Do not allow your vendor to move the implementation along too quickly. Allow people time to practice functions before you go live, and don’t forge ahead with the next module’s implementation until most employees achieve a comfort level with the first.
3. Stagger your training schedule to match your implementation schedule. Training in the use of an EMR system is something that cannot be boxed off into a space of time. If you are staggering your implementation into stages (that is, implementing different modules at different times) makes sure that your training schedule is staggered to accommodate the different implementation phases.
4. Training is never one-size-fits-all for a medical practice. There is no point in offering all of your employees the same nature and level of training. Carving up the training pie carefully is critical. Careful implementation planning will, in the end, save you money.
5. If some of your staff needs training in basic computer skills, have someone less expensive than your vendor offer such training. Get a skilled college student to teach a class, or find an adult education class for your computer illiterate employees. Save the expensive training for more sophisticated applications.
6. Never rely on memory to keep track of training lessons. Request formally prepared training material to be distributed to your staff. Record the training sessions – audio and visual -- for later use. If there is no prepared training material available, appoint a staff member to gather notes, handouts, etc. in a binder that can be used for reference.

For comparisons of different electronic medical record or medical emr software regarding training options, download the free Medical Software Selection Kit.

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