Even with a highly standardized EHR “starter set”, in our experience approximately 15-20% of the system must be tailored to the specific profile, policies and practices of the organization or site.

As astutely observed in this recent Hospitals & Health Networks guest editorial, content providers offer initial diagnosis-based guidelines based on clinical evidence that are then adapted to local practices, but not driven by individual MD preferences.  Standard orders are personalized as needed based on specific patient encounter and condition.   

In our opinion at InfoLogix and HIA, there is no such thing as a “drop in” EHR with fully configured “out of the box” content.  Each organization must both adopt and adapt the system, hopefully learning from successful organizations that preceded them.  Rather than costing more and slowing down the process, careful strategic investments in “up front” processes and personnel should accelerate benefits realization and ultimately save money.       

The choice of the right EHR vendor partner is crucial.  Equally important are hospital-driven factors, such as executive leadership, goal alignment, streamlined processes, engagement and preparation of all stakeholders and users, and enabling IT.  Robust and easy-to-use EHR capabilities are clearly essential, but insufficient for EHR success.  

Luckily the industry seems to have come to its senses.  There is a growing acknowledgement that Stimulus funds are an incentive and reward, not the ultimate goal of EHRs.