Table 3.

Examples of Optimizations

Accommodationsa
  • Adjusted phone triage, removing the burden of all incoming calls going to the front desk

  • Changed rooming and documentation workflow

  • Standardized process for scanning documents into the EHR

  • Modified scheduling workflow to EHR capabilities

Creationsb
  • Created a way to connect multiple printers for specific clinicians

  • Generated a function for attending billing attestations on resident notes

  • Developed a unified method for interdepartmental referrals

  • Designed an algorithm for attribution of patients to primary care clinicians

  • Created functions that closed the loop for completion of quality measures

Discoveriesc
  • Uncovered functionality of a resource tab for quality measures

  • Identified filters for monitoring referrals, listing patients by site, and searching documents

  • Became aware of how to create prefabricated tests and laboratory orders

  • Discovered functionality for clinicians to view data when creating notes during patient visits

  • Found capability to extend search ranges for vital signs, laboratory, and test results

Modificationsd
  • Extended time that unsaved data remains in system

  • Developed a connection to state immunization database

  • Added a permanent and adjustable code status icon to the patient information screen

  • Updated department-specific favorite lists for medications, labs, and tests for efficiency

  • Eliminated redundant edit lists for outgoing billing

  • EHR = electronic health record; IT = information technology.

  • a Accommodations are workflow adjustments made by the department outside of the EHR.

  • b Creations are workflows added to the EHR by IT.

  • c Discoveries are workflows found by the department already in the EHR.

  • d Modifications are workflows changed in the EHR by IT.