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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

LaRue Shaw, MHA, Ambulatory EMR Team, Clinical Information Services, University of California Davis Health System, 2300 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2100, Sacramento, CA 95817, (916) 734-0528, larue.shaw@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu and Meg Young, MS, Clinical Information Systems, University of California Davis Health System, 2300 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2100, Sacramento, CA 95817.

Much has been published in the literature about the need to invest in healthcare technology. The literature also documents the many challenges of technology adoption in the healthcare setting. The University of California Davis Health System implemented the EpicCare electronic medical record (EMR) system in fourteen community-based primary care clinics from June 2004 through November 2005. A pilot clinic was selected and post-deployment qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. Based on the results, the deployment model was enhanced to facilitate adult learning with such basic strategies as more peer support including establishing EMR physician champions and staff super users. In addition to aggressive support in the clinics, the physician champions and super users led weekly brown bag lunches on topics relating to functionality and workflow throughout the 4 phases of pre go-live preparation; training; go-live and self-support. Other modifications included greater communication and participation by management and salary-protection for the providers during a defined adoption phase and a paper-based issue tracking process. Four of the fourteen clinics have been analyzed to date. All have returned to pre-EMR patient visit levels by six months and are maintaining or exceeding their pre-EMR visit levels. Analysis of RVU (Relative Value Unit) data shows no negative impact and early indications of an increase in revenue. Responding to the anxiety levels and adult learning needs clinic staff and providers with aggressive peer support was the corner-stone of our successful deployment and should be considered for any clinic or hospital technology deployment.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Describe a 4-phase deployment framework
• List the key components of a successful change management and technology implementation from planning though post-deployment
• Articulate the importance of peer support in effective change management

Keywords: Health Information Systems, Change

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation