When it comes time to implement new EHR software in your eyecare practice it can be an exciting, and daunting time. Some big and exciting changes are upon your practice, and how you and your staff manage the training and implementation period could have lasting effects on your success.
When going through implementation, your software vendor should be your best friend. Take advantage of their resources to keep your entire team on track. Check out these 4 important things we want you to remember during your software implementation.
Small Secrets for Successful EHR Software Implementation
There's More than One Path to Success
One thing is for certain when it comes to EHR implementation; no two implementations are the same. What worked for one eyecare practice, probably won't work for the next. Your technology, workflow, staff, and processes are all different, and each of those things is going to impact the way your practice goes through implementation and training. Don't get stuck in a mindset of how you think implementation should go. Be open minded and flexible towards creating the right plan for your unique practice.
Make Training a Priority
Your practice schedule is busy, and many days you probably don't have much extra time outside of seeing patients. But when it comes to training and implementing new software, don't let that be the case. Whether it's outside of normal business hours, or if you block off time from your typical schedule to focus on training - it needs to be a priority for you and your staff. While you may think the training is excessive or not needed, there is going to be a lot of new information headed your way and getting to know your software the best you can right off the bat is going to help set you up for success.
Think about Your Patients
There is going to be an adjustment period as your staff takes on daily tasks with the new software. And while you may not want to decrease your patients on the schedule, in the long run it might be the best solution to avoid unhappy patients during this transition. With a decreased patient load you and your staff will be less stressed getting through the schedule that you'll have time to work through any issues or questions that come up when using the new software in a real setting. Plus, it will help reduce the opportunity for your staff to give up on the new software and workflow. It's easier to adjust your schedule by adding more patients than to try and struggle through a full day.
Keep in Touch with Your Team
Managing a software change in your office can be a big task in itself. You staff plays a big role in the success of your implementation, so keeping everyone involved and open lines of communication among the team and software vendor will help reduce the liklihood of your staff becoming demotivated, frustrated, or rebellious.
Keep your staff motivated with team goals and scheduled meetings to assess how training and implementation is going. Celebrating milestones, big or small, will help encourage progress and keep spirits up if any of your team is struggling with the new software.
Our mini guide will help you through implementation. Take a look below.
