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BUSINESS OF
MEDICINE

Aligning Electronic

Health Record Use

With Performance

Improvement

Goals

Beth E. Michel, MLD, CPHRM

he concept of performance improvement is dis- continued improvement.
T cussed frequently among members of the healthcare able tool in the performance improvement process. However, the
Because EHR systems collect a wealth of data, they can be a valu-
community. We generally understand that to improve
patient outcomes, we must improve performance, or challenge is understanding how to aggregate and analyze the data,
the delivery of care. evaluate the results, and then develop strategies and initiatives to
Yet, when juggling implementation of new evidence-based prac- improve the delivery of care and generate better patient outcomes.
tices, adoption of new technologies, and healthcare reform, it is easy The following sections of this article discuss some specific ways
for “performance improvement” to become just a phrase rather in which your practice can meet this challenge and incorporate your
than a daily conscious focus for healthcare providers. EHR system into quality initiatives.
This article brings the issue of performance improvement back
into focus by examining ways in which you can use an electronic High-Risk Situations
health record (EHR) system to support positive change in your Identifying situations that create high risk for your practice should
practice. be the starting point when considering how EHR data can help you
develop performance improvement goals. A few common, high-
Using an EHR System To Drive risk situations are discussed below.
Performance Improvement
A well-defined performance improvement process involves iden- Test Result Tracking
tifying opportunities for improvement, designing and conducting Failure to address all test results is a frequent underlying cause of
an audit, implementing a corrective action plan, and evaluating for the top allegation in medical malpractice claims — failure to diag-

30 San Antonio Medicine • February 2018