Mistakes… Everybody makes them. But unfortunately, we all know that some mistakes can be costly! And when it comes to your new EHR software, the training process is integral to the success of implementing the EHR in your practice. If you or your staff do not learn how to use your practice management and EHR software properly, it could be costly to your practice and you might even endanger your patient’s health! So to prevent that from happening, it’s important to start training on the right track!  

Today, we go through common mistakes you could make during the training process. And if you are guilty of making some of these mistakes, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible.

Avoid Making These Common EHR Software Training Mistakes

Mistake #1: Train Intensively

Most practices see the importance in dedicating time to training. Some might even close their practice for a week or two so that their staff can focus on learning the software. However, it can get very stressful to keep training without a break. And even if it is an easy to use software, your staff can get tired of looking at the same thing for an entire week. On top of majorly impeding upon your ability to serve your patients, closing your practice for a whole week is just counterproductive!

So instead of closing your practice, try bringing in lunch so your staff can complete training during their lunch hour. That way, you can continue to see patients as well. A cloud-based system provide the option for staff that might want to practice and complete their training tutorials from home.

Mistake #2: Learn Everything about the Software

A common misconception practices have is thinking that every staff needs to learn every feature of the software. But training your staff on areas that do not involve their daily duties will only confuse them. For example, teaching the front desk staff to use the EHR is simply a waste of time and it will only lead to confusion. Your staff should only be trained on areas that they are going to use. Certain EHR vendors allow you to assign separate training modules according to your staff’s roles.

Mistake #3: Assume You Know Everything

So you think you know everything about using the system? You might! But it can’t hurt to go through your vendor’s training program in detail. A good EHR vendor will have detailed training programs and resources for their customers. Most resources are usually made available online so you can learn at your own pace and convenience. Utilize all the resources, even if you think you already know how to use the system.

Are there videos and tutorials to show you how the system works? Are there quizzes that you and your staff can take to test your knowledge? What about a knowledge base to refer to if you have a quick question? There will also be times when you need live help. Does your EHR vendor have live training or Q&A sessions with your trainer? These are all good resources to use during your training. And if your vendor offers them, make sure that your staff is using them.

Mistake #4: Not Working with the EHR Vendor’s Training Team

We all know that it takes two hands to clap! So it’s not enough to just count on your vendor to do the work for you. Work closely with your vendor to make sure that everything is on track. If they prescribe a certain course of training action, follow it! Complete all the assignments and homework tasked to you by your trainer or account manager, and keep in contact with them about your progress to make sure you’re on schedule for go-live. Reach out to your vendor when you need help. Your vendor should be willing to hold your hand through the process and offer support as needed.

Mistake#5: Forget About Tracking Your Team’s Progress

Your go-live date may vary depending on how fast you and your staff learn to use the software. Tracking your team’s program ensures that nobody is falling behind. And if they are, you can help them get caught up before they fall too far behind. Some EHRs have training programs that allow you to track the progress of your staff, such as the number of online lessons they’ve completed or quizzes they’ve passed.

Tracking your team’s progress also allows you to make sure that the new process is implemented correctly and it’s actually what’s best for your practice. You shouldn’t let your team become inefficient with the new software. Try finding cracks within the workflow before everybody gets too used to what they are taught. Think about what information the next person who deals with the patient needs, and how everyone can ensure that he/she has all the information they need. It’s important to point out inefficiency with the new system at this point, and fix it as fast as possible.

Need more tips like these on EHR implementation and training? Read our implementation mini guide.