Page 19 - 2022 Risk Basics - Systems
P. 19
SVMIC Risk Basics: Systems
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
EHRs usually have ordering functions, reporting functions, and/or tickler
systems that track missed or canceled patient appointments, missed test
results, and/or referral reports. Often, these systems will have additional
opportunities to ensure tracking is accomplished. For example, an EHR
with the capability to run reports of overdue results or outstanding items
can be used to identify any missed follow-up.
At SVMIC, we have identified some pitfalls unique to tracking and system
failures when utilizing EHRs. This course will repeatedly discuss EHR
factors contributing to patient safety issues. Taking the time to ensure
that every team member has a mastery of the EHR, including frequent
review of potential flaws and patient safety issues. Workarounds or
shortcuts often fail, resulting in patient harm from an error with unreliable
or nonexistent processes to address use of templates, copy/paste, test
result tracking, referrals, medication errors, or other issues. In a lawsuit,
a workaround or shortcut can appear as if the provider was sloppy or
careless or that the practice simply was more concerned about the
bottom line than correcting a flawed system.
Page 19
