You can eliminate duplicative documentation with any number of other clinical workflow and technology problems. Unfortunately, you will likely face a lot of push-back when you suggest your new technology. While this may seem to you that it should be a simple yes, the problem is that the EHR is expensive, and administrative leaders and IT personnel may not understand why additional technologies are needed. A lot of organizations want the EHR to be the technology that does it all. However, EHRs were created for the business of healthcare, and not designed with clinical workflows in mind. This means there are a lot of ways that EHRs are incongruent with clinician workflows and add extra frustration to the job.
This is why a tech stack is important. A tech stack is an ecosystem of different technologies, softwares, and apps that work together to accomplish goals. In healthcare, tech stacks include tools that integrate into the EHR that can help with different aspects of clinical work, such as communication and documentation. These specialized tools can help make clinical work more efficient and enjoyable, and allow you to spend more time with your patients.
So, how do you convince these leaders to invest in the new software you want? You need to show how it is good for both clinicians and for the organization’s business goals. Will the new tech improve reimbursement or save money? Will it improve data security or help retain staff? This may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We put together a guide with tips to help clinicians like you propose new technologies to non-clinical leaders.
In our 7 Tips for IT and Administrator Buy-In for New Technology, we list steps to take to get your leaders to say yes to the technology you want. The guide also includes a printable and electronic template that you can fill out to help you get new technology approved by administration and tech leaders in your organization. Find the guide here.