AMA launches health IT tutorials for physicians

The American Medical Association (AMA) has released three online video tutorials, the first of a series, to help physician practices through health IT implementation processes. The first three videos focus on developing efficient workflows for e-prescribing, pre-visit planning and point-of-care documentation.

“The purpose of these tutorials is to provide you with the information you need to examine how your practice works today and to think about how you hope it will work after you implement your new health IT systems,” the tutorial transcript read. “While many practices tend to focus on cost or vendor selection and contract negotiations, workflow may be even more important to achieving your patient care objectives and getting a financial return on your investment."

Even though vendors often conduct workflow analyses, the tutorial suggested that they were limited and advised providers to conduct their own analyses, which will allow them to ask better questions of vendors, explain their needs more accurately to vendors and, ultimately, make better decisions in terms of health IT implementation.

The tutorial explained that e-prescribing benefits can be realized through increased quality, safety, efficiency and patient satisfaction, and provided steps for providers to take before e-prescribing implementation:

1. Diagram current workflow with input from practice staff;
2. Identify flaws within the current prescribing workflow;
3. Research e-prescribing products that suit practice needs;
4. Talk with colleagues, consultants and regional extension centers about e-prescribing implementation plans;
5. Seek advice from the appropriate medical trade associations; and
6. Review the AMA’s advice for implementation guidance.

Health IT has enhanced the value of evidence-based guidelines and clinical information, but managing patients’ needs using evidence-based guidelines cannot be accomplished by physicians alone. Physicians must have mechanisms in place to collect and organize data, so that it can be ready for a patient’s visit, the tutorial stated.

The document listed steps for redesigning workflow to shift some clinical information-related work and time requirements from physicians to other staff members:

1. Identify team members;
2. Document roles, responsibilities, workflows and consistent processes;
3. Clearly define staff roles and responsibilities in writing;
4. Establish team and individual goals; and
5. Include the patient, and his or her family when appropriate, as members of the care team.

The tutorial suggested that properly designed point-of-care documentation workflows would save physicians time by reducing the need to write post-visit notes, and increase quality of care by making health information accurate and available.

According to the tutorial, practices redesigning point-of-care documentation workflows should:

1. Consider non-physician staff;
2. Develop training plans;
3. Develop a documentation plan that clearly outlines expectations for practice staff;
4. Map current workflow; and
5. Think creatively about ways to utilize non-physician staff in the new workflow.

To view the tutorials, click here.