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P046: Physicians experience with the Epic electronic health record system: findings from an academic emergency department implementation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2020

C. Price
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
S. Calder-Sprackman
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
W. Cheung
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
G. Clapham
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
E. Kwok
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON

Abstract

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Introduction: In June 2019, The Ottawa Hospital launched the Epic EHR system, which transitioned all departments from a primarily paper-based system to an exclusively electronic system using a one-day “big bang” approach. All Emergency Physicians (EP) received online module training, personalization sessions, and at-the-elbow support during the transition. We sought to evaluate EP satisfaction with the implementation process and the system's impact on clinical practice in a tertiary care academic emergency medicine setting. Methods: Email surveys were distributed during the pre-implementation and go-live phases. Questions were developed by the research team and piloted for face validity and clarity. Surveys were sent to staff EPs, residents and fellows. Likert scales were used to evaluate agreement with statements and the modified Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess burnout. Pre-post groups were compared using chi-squared tests to assess for significant differences. Future surveys will be distributed in 2020 for continued implementation evaluation. Results: Response rates were 49% (78/160) in the pre and 48% (76/160) in the post period. The majority of respondents were staff (66% pre; 75% post) working 8-15 shifts/month. Prior to launch, 52% of EPs felt the pre-training modules provided sufficient preparation, however only 32% felt this way after go-live (p = 0.02). Providers did not feel there were enough personalization (21% pre vs. 24% post, p = 0.66) or hands-on sessions offered (51% pre vs. 39% post, p = 0.15) and this opinion did not change after go-live. Before Epic, EPs were most concerned with productivity/efficiency, documentation time, and lack of support/training. Although documentation was reported to be easier after go-live by 69% of EPs, reviewing documents, using standardized workups/protocols, patient monitoring/follow-up, efficiency and billing were reported by >50% of EPs to be more difficult. Overall, there was a 22% increase in feeling confident to use Epic (28% pre vs. 50% post, p < 0.01); however, only 38% of providers were satisfied with the system. Notably, 82% of EPs reported experiencing moderate or high burnout in the post implementation period. Conclusion: Despite receiving standard EHR training and support, the majority of clinicians did not feel adequately trained or confident using Epic and reported moderate to high burnout. These findings will inform optimization efforts and they represent key considerations for other EDs planning future implementations.

Type
Poster Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2020