For IT teams in healthcare organizations, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is often at the very heart of operations. It’s the tool clinicians rely on for everything from patient records to treatment plans, and it shapes the rhythm of healthcare delivery. However, when EHR systems aren’t running as smoothly as they should, the consequences ripple across the entire organization. Time is lost, costs add up, staff frustration rises, and, most importantly, patient care can suffer.
Understanding and addressing these inefficiencies isn’t just about IT system maintenance; it’s about improving the experience for everyone involved. Here’s a closer look at the hidden costs of EHR inefficiency and how IT teams can tackle these challenges head-on.
1. Wasted time at every level
Inefficient EHR systems can be a massive time drain, with small delays piling up over time. For example, if clinicians are spending extra minutes navigating a complex interface or searching for information, that’s less time they can dedicate to patients. Multiply these frustrations across dozens of staff members and hundreds of interactions each day, and the wasted time skyrockets.
From an IT perspective, inefficiency also means more time spent responding to support tickets or dealing with recurring system issues. That’s time your team could invest in higher-priority projects.
What you can do:
- Streamline workflows: Partner with clinical staff to understand which tasks are creating bottlenecks. Small tweaks, like optimizing screen layouts or automating repetitive actions, can lead to significant time savings.
- Conduct regular usability reviews: Regularly gather feedback from end users to identify obstacles that slow them down and prioritize fixes.
2. Increased operational costs
Inefficiencies in the EHR system don’t just waste time; they also drive up costs. Hospitals and clinics may lose revenue if clinicians can’t see as many patients in a day due to system delays. Additionally, frequent calls to external vendors for support or repairs can become an overlooked yet costly expense.
Training inefficiencies can also add up. If new staff members struggle to use the EHR system, onboarding takes longer, impacting both productivity and budgets.
What you can do:
- Invest in focused training: Make sure all users – not just new hires – have access to regular, hands-on training sessions. A well-trained team minimizes errors and maximizes system efficiency.
- Triage support requests smartly: Create a system for prioritizing and addressing the most pressing IT issues first to minimize disruption and cut down on unnecessary escalations.
3. Reduced patient and staff satisfaction
When the EHR isn’t functioning efficiently, it’s not just clinicians feeling the pinch. Patients notice, too. Long wait times, delays in accessing test results, and duplicate questions from providers can leave patients feeling frustrated or as though they’re not receiving the best care.
On the flip side, IT teams often bear the brunt of complaints from both the clinical side and frustrated patients. This can create tension between departments and lead to low morale within your own team.
What you can do:
- Foster collaboration between IT and clinicians: Establish regular meetings or focus groups where clinical staff can share their pain points with the IT team. When everyone works together, solutions are more likely to stick.
- Focus on system uptime and reliability: Even brief instances of downtime can disrupt operations for hours. Prioritize EHR stability and plan for robust backups to keep downtime at a minimum. Learn more about overcoming administrative burdens of EHRs.
4. Ripple effects on patient care
This is perhaps the most critical cost of EHR inefficiency. Every wasted moment, added frustration, or system downtime has the potential to impact patient care. Whether it’s delayed test results or a misstep stemming from an overly complicated workflow, the consequences can be serious and far-reaching.
What you can do:
- Proactively address gaps: Identify recurring issues clinicians face with the EHR and work to resolve them before they escalate. Think ahead, anticipating what users might need next.
- Stay ahead of updates: Outdated systems and interfaces are often a major source of inefficiency. Keep Oracle Health EHR updated to access the latest features and improvements. Consider custom MPage creation to enhance functionality.
A call to action for IT teams
The hidden costs of EHR inefficiency are too important to ignore. By streamlining workflows, investing in user training, and fostering collaboration between IT and clinical teams, you can turn your EHR challenges into opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, more efficient EHR systems offer benefits that ripple well beyond your department. They lead to happier staff, smoother operations, and, most importantly, better outcomes for patients.
If you’re ready to transform your EHR system and unlock its full potential, contact EHR Enhancify today. Our team specializes in optimizing EHR workflows, providing targeted training, and delivering solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. Visit our website or reach out to us directly to learn how we can help your organization achieve greater efficiency and improved patient care.
