Easy Lifts for Quickly Improving EHR Satisfaction 2024
High-Impact Methods to Achieve Clinician EHR Satisfaction with Few Additional Resources
Healthcare organizations are continually looking for ways to improve clinician EHR satisfaction despite tight budgets and staffing shortages. According to Arch Collaborative data, organizations who spend more of their budget on their EHR don’t necessarily realize a higher Net EHR Experience Score†. In contrast, those who prioritize and reallocate resources toward high-impact interventions can often see improved clinician EHR satisfaction—proving that high satisfaction is possible despite budget and staffing constraints. Drawing from
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† Each individual clinician’s responses to the Arch Collaborative EHR Experience Survey regarding core factors such as the EHR’s efficiency, functionality, impact on care, and so on are aggregated into an overall Net EHR Experience Score (NEES), which represents a snapshot of the clinician’s overall satisfaction with the EHR environment at their organization. A NEES can range from -100 (all negative feedback) to 100 (all positive feedback).
Top Methods for Improving EHR Satisfaction
Based on the case studies included in this report, there are five main strategies healthcare organizations can implement to improve or achieve high clinician EHR satisfaction without using many additional resources:
Arch Collaborative Case Study Index
Make EHR education more accessible
Strategy | Cost | Time to implement | Organization performance |
---|---|---|---|
Facilitate mentorship & collaboration among physicians | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Integrate clinical & documentation training | No additional cost | 0–6 months | Improved performance |
Create a partnership between engaging trainers & knowledgeable staff | One-time cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Enable clinicians to access IT | No additional cost | 12–24 months | Improved performance |
Communicate with clinicians more effectively
Strategy | Cost | Time to implement | Organization performance |
---|---|---|---|
Use consistent communication to provide a predictable EHR experience | One-time cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Provide clinicians more visibility into behind-the-scenes EHR changes | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Optimize EHR communication for busy providers | No additional cost | 2+ years | High performance |
Create a feedback loop to recognize & address provider challenges | No additional cost | 0–6 months | Improved performance |
Empower clinicians to be involved in EHR governance
Strategy | Cost | Time to implement | Organization performance |
---|---|---|---|
Capitalize on highly motivated volunteers | No additional cost | 2+ years | High performance |
Systemize clinician EHR involvement | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Involve clinicians in EHR decision-making | No additional cost | 2+ years | High performance |
Establish committees & advisory boards for EHR oversight | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Give clinicians an avenue to voice EHR needs | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Provide EHR support and improve EHR efficiency
Strategy | Cost | Time to implement | Organization performance |
---|---|---|---|
Make EHR support accessible | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Facilitate peer EHR support | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Use EHR data to benchmark & improve performance | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Work closely with vendors to address challenges | No additional cost | 2+ years | Improved performance |
Evaluate EHR enhancements based on patient care | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Embed clinician wellness into organizational culture
Strategy | Cost | Time to implement | Organization performance |
---|---|---|---|
Promote clinician well-being | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Create a consistent approach to burnout across locations | One-time cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Foster work-life balance | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Focus on clinician autonomy to provide patient care | No additional cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Facilitate impactful communication | One-time cost | 0–6 months | High performance |
Arch Collaborative Case Study Summaries
The following Arch Collaborative case studies summaries provide a high-level look at healthcare organizations who implemented initiatives that helped achieve high or improved clinician EHR satisfaction. All featured initiatives had low costs and/or quick timelines, as self-reported by the involved organizations. For a more in-depth look at these organizations’ efforts, we encourage readers to go to the full case studies (linked in the header for each summary).
Make EHR Education More Accessible
Summaries listed alphabetically by organization name
Facilitate Mentorship & Collaboration among Physicians
Organization name: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC)
Organization type: Community hospital (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 86th percentile for provider agreement that EHR enables efficiency
Project summary: After new physicians receive specialty-specific onboarding training, LHAAMC proactively connects them with proficient physicians within their specialty so those proficient users can demonstrate effective use of EHR tools. This approach fosters collaboration, mentorship, and trust, and the proficient physicians feel valued without being financially compensated. Additionally, clinical leaders at LHAAMC dedicate administrative days to help colleagues navigate clinical workflows, including EHR integration.
Integrate Clinical & Documentation Training
Organization name: Ohio State University Health
Organization type: Academic health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 21-percentile increase for nurse agreement that onboarding training is sufficient
Project summary: Wanting to create a more seamless transition for new nurses as they moved into their roles, Ohio State University Health revamped their onboarding program, dedicating a half-day block for nurses to complete EHR documentation modules during their first day of training. The training includes resources for honing clinical skills and thorough documentation to ensure nurses feel confident in their ability to document in the EHR before beginning clinical duties.
Create a Partnership between Engaging Trainers & Knowledgeable Support Staff
Organization name: Sansum Clinic
Organization type: Academic health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:One-time cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 98th percentile for provider satisfaction with initial training
Project summary: Sansum Clinic’s tailored their initial eight-hour EHR training to each individual’s role, utilizing the production environment to ensure relevance and practicality. Following that training, trainers provide up to two days of in-clinic, at-the-elbow support. This program uniquely emphasizes selecting trainers based on not only technical expertise but also their ability to engage and relate to the audience. Trainers and support staff collaborate closely, fostering relationships with clinicians and ensuring swift issue resolution. The organization’s overarching goal is to empower clinicians to concentrate on patient care by alleviating EHR-related frustrations through personalized training, ongoing support, and a culture of trust and collaboration.
Enable Clinicians to Access IT
Organization name: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
Organization type: Academic medical center (UK)
EHR vendor: Dedalus
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 13–24 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 16% increase in nurse agreement that ongoing training is sufficient
Project summary: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay introduced a new approach to deploying the EHR—locally termed as electronic patient record (EPR)—by implementing modular unit training for clinicians over several years. The organization established the I3 team (which stands for informatics, integration, and innovation) to provide at-the-elbow support and monitor training implementation. Additionally, Morecambe Bay integrated (1) a “quick log” button into their EPR, allowing users to easily report issues and receive support and (2) “Digital Design Authorities,” which consist of frontline workers who manage design decisions and provide valuable feedback. This approach builds trust among clinicians and has led to better adoption of new mandatory fields, ultimately improving clinician satisfaction and EPR proficiency.
Communicate with Clinicians More Effectively
Summaries listed alphabetically by organization name
Provide Consistent Communication for a Predictable EHR Experience
Organization name: Compass Medical
Organization type: Ambulatory care group (US)
EHR vendor: eClinicalWorks
Cost:One-time cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 99th percentile for agreement that IT leadership has implemented and supported the EHR well
Project summary: Compass Medical prioritizes building trust between clinical end users and IT through a structured, predictable process for EHR onboarding and change requests. Before seeing patients, newly hired providers go through orientation with IT to establish efficient workflows. Post-onboarding, communication with IT persists through a board of department representatives who manage EHR change requests. Clinicians follow a well-established process to propose changes. Compass Medical exercises caution in adopting EHR updates, ensuring changes positively impact the organization before implementation to maintain stable operations.
Provide Clinicians More Visibility into Behind-the-Scenes EHR Changes
Organization name: Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Organization type: Academic health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 99th percentile for provider NEES
Project summary: Kaiser Permanente Northwest introduced a “Pyramid of Change” to guide clinicians, help them understand how EHR changes take place, and provide explanations on why some requests can’t be completed. With this program, clinicians can address their needs through a structured approach that includes end users, specialties, configuration levels, and system changes.
Optimize EHR Communication for Busy Providers
Organization name: Sharp HealthCare
Organization type: Ambulatory care group (US)
EHR vendor: Altera Digital Health, Oracle Health
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 2+ years
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 94th percentile for agreement that providers have a voice in EHR changes
Project summary: Sharp HealthCare communicates through direct emails, monthly updates, and staff meetings. Providers can submit EHR change requests through various channels and are kept informed about the status of their suggestions through meticulous tracking. The Clinical Informatics Associates physician group plays a key role in reviewing system-wide changes and disseminating updates. Despite occasional hurdles with EHR vendor-related changes, the clinical informaticists persistently follow through until resolution, maintaining transparency through direct communication and regular updates at staff meetings.
Create a Feedback Loop to Recognize & Address Provider Challenges
Organization name: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Organization type: Academic health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 18-point improvement in provider NEES
Project summary: SUNY Upstate Medical University’s approach to EHR changes involves a thorough review of Arch Collaborative survey data and provider commentary, leading to the implementation of tools in response to provider requests. The formation of a steering committee and the EPIC4Me initiative (which includes a practitioner advisory council and specialized Epic trainers) has fostered a collaborative environment. In response to provider feedback, SUNY also introduced the “We Heard You” email initiative to announce the launch of enhanced Epic functionality requested by providers who completed the Arch Collaborative survey. This was an additional venue for providers to know their suggestions were taken seriously.
Empower Clinicians to Be Involved in EHR Governance
Summaries listed alphabetically by organization name
Capitalize on Highly Motivated Volunteers
Organization name: Memorial Health System
Organization type: Community health system (US)
EHR vendor: Oracle Health
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 2+ years
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 96th percentile for provider satisfaction with efficiency
Project summary: Memorial Health System created a physician IT advisory committee to make EHR-enhancement decisions, involving motivated volunteers who desire to improve the EHR. The committee serves as a focus group that thrives on a variety of perspectives to challenge ideas and drive progress. Their contributions have shaped decisions on EHR features, like templates and content organization. This committee exemplifies Memorial Health’s commitment to inclusive leadership and the value of listening to and implementing ideas from all levels of clinical staff.
Systemize Clinician EHR Involvement
Organization name: Royal Children’s Hospital
Organization type: Children’s hospital (AU)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 98th percentile for agreement that the organization implemented, supports, and trains on EHR well
Project summary: The Royal Children’s Hospital implemented a clinician-centric approach to EHR governance, actively involving clinicians in EHR changes and optimizations. They established an online portal and help desk for end users to submit change requests. Requests are evaluated based on efficiency, safety, and patient-centric care criteria; then, they are forwarded to a working party of physician builders, who prioritize changes based on impact. This approach ensures that EHR changes align with the needs of clinical staff and enhance patient care.
Involve Clinicians in EHR Decision-Making
Organization name: Sharp HealthCare
Organization type: Ambulatory care group (US)
EHR vendor: Altera Digital Health, Oracle Health
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 2+ years
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 99th percentile for agreement that providers can request EHR fixes
Project summary: Sharp HealthCare actively involves providers by using specialized provider work groups, which are led by clinical informaticists and physician champions. These work groups evaluate and address EHR requests using a standardized process.
Establish Committees & Advisory Boards for EHR Oversight
Organization name: TidalHealth
Organization type: Community hospital (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 95th percentile for nurse agreement that organization implemented, supports, and trains on EHR well
Project summary: TidalHealth formed a clinical informatics council, which includes frontline nurses, allied health professionals, and analysts. This council meets regularly to evaluate EHR design changes and assess nursing needs and skills. Annual competencies are determined based on member feedback; rounding (conducted by executive teams) allows diverse perspectives and feedback. The council members also serve as superusers and help disseminate information and encourage attendance at training sessions.
Give Clinicians an Avenue to Voice EHR Needs
Organization name: WVU Medicine
Organization type: Academic health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 81st percentile for nurse EHR satisfaction
Project summary: WVU Medicine established an Interprofessional User Council that addresses workflow-related issues and invites clinicians who have submitted requests to present their proposals during monthly meetings. The council members vote on proposals, giving clinicians a say in the fate of their requests.
Provide EHR Support & Improve Efficiency
Summaries listed alphabetically by organization name
Make EHR Support Accessible
Organization name: Gundersen Health System
Organization type: Community health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 87th percentile for provider agreement that their organization implemented, supports, and trains on EHR well
Project summary: Gundersen Health System established a dedicated extension, “5-Epic,” during their Epic EHR system go-live; this extension allowed clinicians to quickly contact an EHR trainer for support. Due to its success and frequent use during the initial go-live period, the service has been maintained. Clinicians learn about 5-Epic during their orientation, and it is also advertised on the Epic login page. The service, staffed by a full-time EHR trainer, is intended for additional training, not technical issues. The trainer is available to guide clinicians and remotely assist them until they are comfortable with the EHR functionality.
Facilitate Peer EHR Support
Organization name: MetroHealth System
Organization type: Academic health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 95th percentile for provider NEES
Project summary: The MetroHealth System recognized that clinicians prefer learning about the EHR from peers, so the organization established a clinical informatics team of practicing clinicians to mentor their colleagues. The organization also allows clinicians to become Assistant Directors of Clinical Informatics, indicating their expertise in EHR knowledge. These individuals meet monthly to discuss EHR challenges, personalizations, and new features as well as to share knowledge with peers, improving efficiency and patient care.
Use EHR Data to Benchmark & Improve Performance
Organization name: St. Charles Health System
Organization type: Community health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 81st percentile for providers reporting less than five hours a week of at-home charting
Project summary: St. Charles Health System faced charting backlogs and sought to close patient charts within 72 hours. They transitioned from relying on Signal or PEP data for real-time tracking to extracting data directly from their EHR database. They generated reports (categorized by specialty) to monitor chart closure rates, and they also provided support to clinicians who were falling behind with charting.
Work Closely with Vendors to Address Challenges
Organization name: Wahiawa Health
Organization type: Ambulatory care group (US)
EHR vendor: athenahealth
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 2+ years
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 15-point increase in NEES
Project summary: Wahiawa Health engages in open and honest communication with athenahealth, building trust and understanding. They have a shared language of EHR data points for benchmarking and tracking metrics. athenahealth’s customer success managers provide support and guidance, focusing on EHR metrics, schedule density, financial metrics, and change management principles. Wahiawa Health also developed an effective governance structure, hired an EHR specialist, and collaborated with athenahealth’s CSMs to tailor EHR training (which includes one-on-one coaching and subject matter expert training).
Evaluate EHR Enhancements based on Patient Care
Organization name: Wellstar Health System
Organization type: Large health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 85th percentile for provider agreement that EHR enables efficiency
Project summary: Wellstar Health System established a standardized format for notes, processes, order sets, and documentation methods for each pediatric specialty. EHR enhancements are evaluated based on impact to patient care; clinician feedback is also considered during the decision-making process.
Embed Clinician Wellness into Organizational Culture
Summaries listed alphabetically by organization name
Promote Clinician Well-Being
Organization name: Harbin Clinic
Organization type: Ambulatory care group (US)
EHR vendor: athenahealth
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 92nd percentile for likelihood that physicians will stay at the organization in next two years
Project summary: Harbin Clinic has successfully enhanced clinician wellness by fostering a sense of community and a culture of mutual support within the organization. They encourage clinician participation in EHR changes and celebrate team accomplishments. Additionally, Harbin Clinic organizes team events throughout the year, both within and outside of work, to build camaraderie and strengthen relationships among staff members.
Create a Consistent Approach to Burnout across Locations
Organization name: Indiana Primary Health Care Association
Organization type: Ambulatory care group (US)
EHR vendor: Altera Digital Health, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, Epic, NextGen Healthcare, other
Cost:One-time cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 89th percentile for providers reporting no symptoms of burnout
Project summary: Indiana Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) developed the Workforce Support Toolkit—a stress screening and resource guide—to address burnout among clinicians. The toolkit includes educational resources, assessments, and targeted strategies to reshape workplace culture, recognize burnout signs, and mitigate the impact of individual stressors. By providing personalized solutions and promoting interdisciplinary intervention, IPHCA aims to empower clinicians and organizations to improve their well-being and foster a culture of wellness.
Foster Work-Life Balance
Organization name: Novant Health
Organization type: Large health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 94th percentile for provider trust in IT
Project summary: Novant Health focuses on fostering a culture of empathy and accountability, prioritizing physician wellness through initiatives that help providers maintain a balanced life. High provider trust in the organization’s IT is correlated with lower burnout rates. The organization also uses metrics that encourage well-being and hold providers accountable for their performance. They monitor these metrics and offer support to struggling providers, emphasizing the importance of achieving work-life balance.
Focus on Clinician Autonomy to Provide Patient Care
Organization name: Wellstar Health System
Organization type: Large health system (US)
EHR vendor: Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 94th percentile for provider NEES
Project summary: Wellstar Health System motivates healthcare providers by demonstrating how the EHR system can help them improve patient care. The organization follows the principles of autonomy, mastery, and purpose to foster motivation. Autonomy is achieved by giving clinicians control over their work within standardized department-level order sets. Mastery involves continuous EHR education, enabling clinicians to improve their skills. Purpose is accomplished by aligning clinicians with EHR-driven outcomes (e.g., patient care improvements).
Facilitate Impactful Communication
Organization name: Yuma Regional Medical Center
Organization type: Community hospital (US)
EHR vendor: eClinicalWorks, Epic
Cost:No additional cost
Time to implement: 0–6 months
Outcome (Arch Collaborative metrics): 90th percentile for providers reporting no symptoms of burnout
Project summary: To address high burnout rates among their predominantly younger physicians, Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) adopted a dyad leadership structure and paired medical directors with operational or nursing leaders to facilitate communication and bridge gaps. YRMC also improved onboarding processes by providing at-the-elbow support, streamlining workflows, and utilizing EHR initiatives to enhance efficiency. The organization focused on meaningful communication between physicians and technicians, training some physicians as certified Epic builders. YRMC’s chief wellness officer and organizational psychologist actively engage with clinicians to address burnout and promote well-being. This comprehensive approach has yielded significant improvements in morale and reduced burnout rates.
What Is the KLAS Arch Collaborative?
The Arch Collaborative is a group of healthcare organizations committed to improving the EHR experience through standardized surveys and benchmarking. To date, almost 300 healthcare organizations have surveyed their end users and over 440,000 clinicians have responded. Reports such as this one seek to synthesize the feedback from these clinicians into actionable insights that organizations can use to revolutionize patient care by unlocking the potential of the EHR.
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Clinician Efficiency and Personalization, Clinician Relationships and Communication, Clinician Wellness and Reducing Burnout, Ongoing EHR Education, Peer Guidance, Recognized Improvement, Shared Ownership and GovernanceThis material is copyrighted. Any organization gaining unauthorized access to this report will be liable to compensate KLAS for the full retail price. Please see the KLAS DATA USE POLICY for information regarding use of this report. © 2019 KLAS Research, LLC. All Rights Reserved. NOTE: Performance scores may change significantly when including newly interviewed provider organizations, especially when added to a smaller sample size like in emerging markets with a small number of live clients. The findings presented are not meant to be conclusive data for an entire client base.