…What is it and how much does my team need?
Oracle Health’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is an indispensable tool that enables healthcare organizations to efficiently manage patient data, drive patient engagement, and facilitate compliant health information exchange. But to effectively utilize this advanced system, it’s crucial that your IT team is adequately trained.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essential knowledge your IT team requires and the amount of training needed to proficiently navigate and operate Oracle Health’s EHR system. The aim is to ensure smooth system implementation and operation, ultimately resulting in enhanced patient care and streamlined workflow.
Introduction
Before diving into the details of what and how much training your IT team needs, let’s first understand what an EHR system is and why it’s essential for healthcare organizations.
An Electronic Health Record (EHR), also known as Electronic Medical Record (EMR), or Electronic Patient Record (EPR), is a digital version of a patient’s paper medical record. It contains all their medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. Essentially, it’s a comprehensive record of a patient’s health information that can be easily accessed by authorized personnel.
The Cerner/Oracle Health EHR system
There are many EHR platforms out there. Cerner/Oracle Health EHR system is a highly sophisticated and integrated system that combines Cerner’s clinical applications with Oracle’s database technology. This powerful combination offers healthcare organizations a comprehensive solution for managing patient data, improving workflow, and enhancing patient care.
As EHR Enhancify is an EHR consultant dedicated to the Oracle Health EHR system, it will be our focus in this article.
Does my IT team need training?
In short, yes. In general, EHR systems are difficult to set up and maintain. Given how critical EHR systems are for healthcare organization’s daily operations, it is imperative that the IT team responsible for managing this system is well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Training your IT team on Oracle Health’s EHR system can offer several benefits, such as:
- Efficient and effective management of patient data
- Improved coordination between different departments within the organization
- Streamlined workflow and increased efficiency
- Compliance with industry standards and regulations
What does my IT team need to know?
We’ll talk about how you can make full use of the platform later in this article but for now let’s look at the basic knowledge you’ll need to ensure your system runs smoothly.
Your IT team will require a comprehensive understanding of the Cerner/Oracle Health EHR system’s architecture, functionality, and configuration. This includes knowledge of:
- Database management and administration
- System security protocols
- Interface and integration with other systems
- Basic configuration of the system to meet the organization’s specific needs
- Troubleshooting and technical support
- Upgrades and updates
Basic training for IT teams
To ensure this level of knowledge, we recommend that every IT team member involved in maintaining Oracle Health EHR should have received the following training:
- System Navigation: As the foundation of EHR training, understanding the platform’s navigation and overall structure is essential for all IT staff.
- Module-Specific Training: IT team members should have in-depth knowledge of the modules they are responsible for, such as physician documentation, clinical decision support, or computerized provider order entry (CPEO).
- Interoperability: Ensuring seamless integration with other systems, understanding HL7 and FHIR standards, and knowing how to manage the various interfaces used within the EHR ecosystem is crucial for IT teams.
- Reporting and Analytics: IT staff should be proficient in using and managing the reporting and analytics capabilities of the system to support data-driven decision-making.
How much training is needed?
The amount of training needed for your IT team will depend on several factors, including:
- The size of your organization – Larger organizations may require more extensive training due to the complexity of managing a larger patient population.
- The IT team’s current knowledge and experience – If your team has prior experience with EHR systems or Cerner/Oracle Health products, they may require less training than a team without any prior experience.
- The specific needs of your organization – Depending on your organization’s goals and objectives, some areas of the system may require more in-depth training than others. For example, if your organization prioritizes data security, your team may need more training on system security protocols.
- The level of support provided by Cerner/Oracle Health – If your organization has a dedicated support team from Cerner/Oracle Health, they may be able to provide additional training and support for your IT team.
In general, we recommend at least two to four weeks of training for your IT team to gain a strong understanding of the system and its functionalities. However, ongoing training and refresher courses should also be provided as updates and upgrades to the system are released.
Using Oracle Health to its full potential
Having the basic training in place is one thing, but it won’t allow you to see the full potential of the Oracle Health EHR system. With the right knowledge, you could also:
- Implement advanced features such as predictive analytics and machine learning to improve patient outcomes.
- Utilize the system’s mobile capabilities for remote access and data entry.
- Integrate telehealth solutions for virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring.
- Leverage the platform’s interoperability to securely exchange data with other healthcare providers, payers, and patients.
The possibilities are endless with the Oracle Health EHR system.
In-depth knowledge
The Oracle Health EHR system is renowned for its complexity, holding its reputation with numerous modules that require a steep learning curve. To fully leverage this complex platform, healthcare IT teams need thorough and ongoing training. This will help them stay updated and well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise while using the system.
To get this training, and to ensure it is appropriate and tailored to your organization, it is advised to join forces with an EHR consultant who will not only train your team but work as an extra hand in your team until you’re all ready to work with Oracle Health EHR independently. Working with a consultant can also help your organization stay updated with the latest features and functionalities of the system, maximizing its potential and benefits for your organization.
Healthcare organizations cannot underestimate the importance of having dedicated in-house experts who understand their unique requirements and configurations. These experts play a critical role in supporting the organization’s EHR operations and ensuring the system aligns with clinicians’ needs.
Find out more about how EHR Enhancify can help you.
In addition, ongoing training equips healthcare IT teams with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage, maintain, and enhance the system efficiently. They are also better prepared to navigate the complex interoperability landscape of the platform, integrating it seamlessly with other healthcare technologies. Moreover, receiving regular updates on new features and best practices enables them to optimize the system to its fullest potential and address specific workflow challenges.
Scepticism towards Oracle Health’s ambitious plans
Despite the potential benefits of Oracle Health EHR, there is a level of scepticism among IT teams about the ambitious plans surrounding the platform. The platform’s complexity, coupled with concerns about data security and privacy, can make IT teams hesitant to embrace it wholeheartedly.
However, investing in comprehensive EHR training will alleviate many of these concerns. As IT teams develop a deeper understanding of the system, they become more confident in managing its complexities, addressing potential risks, and overseeing ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring that your IT team is well-trained on Oracle Health’s EHR system is crucial for the success and efficiency of your healthcare organization. By providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills, you can maximize the benefits of this advanced platform and improve patient care. Remember to consider the size and needs of your organization when determining the amount of training needed, and don’t forget to provide ongoing support to keep your team up-to-date on any changes or updates to the system.
Let EHR Enhancify be your partner in achieving a seamless implementation and operation of Oracle Health EHR for your healthcare organization. Contact us today for more information on our comprehensive training services and support options.
Additional Resources
To further support your IT team’s training on Oracle Health’s EHR system, here are some additional resources that they may find helpful:
- Online tutorials and courses: There are many online resources and courses available that provide in-depth training on specific aspects of the EHR system.
- User manuals and documentation: The official user manuals and documentation provided by Cerner/Oracle Health can also serve as a valuable resource for your IT team.
- Webinars and conferences: Attend webinars and conferences organized by Cerner/Oracle Health to gain insights into the latest advancements and updates to the system.
- Peer-to-peer learning: Encourage your IT team to network with other professionals using the same EHR system, as they can learn from each other’s experiences and best practices.
- uPerform: uPerform is an innovative eLearning platform that provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing and delivering end-user training on Oracle Health EHR. It helps healthcare IT teams develop tailored training programs that cater to their organization’s unique requirements. By incorporating various media types, including interactive simulations, videos, and assessments, it offers an engaging and effective learning experience.