Essentia EMR

Jenifer Brilla CRNP Wilkes University

Electronic Medical RecordThe electronic medical record is used to

store patient information, organize information and access information.

The information stored must be secure, accessible to providers and concise.

The EMR allows providers a way to document, organize and access necessary information.

Essentia EMREssentia EMR is specific to behavioral

health. In behavioral health, the EMR is used

by medical staff, therapy, psychology, transcription, support staff and other clinical staff.

Essentia EMREssentia EMR includes patient

demographics, documentation management, imported document management, scheduling, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and treatment planning.

Multidisciplinary Essentia EMR provides a holistic view

of the patient. All documentation from multiple

disciplines is accessible in one EMR. A concise, cohesive view of the patient

can be obtained through this EMR.

Current EMRAt present, our practice is using two

EMR systems along with paper charts. Lotus notes is currently used for

documentation purposes. Lavender and Wyatt is currently used

for scheduling and patient demographics.

Current EMR cont.Paper charts are currently used for

consents, imported documents, crisis, evaluation tools and medical history.

The current system is not time efficient, cohesive or accurate.

The New EMREssentia EMR will replace Lotus notes

and the paper charts. Imported documents will be scanned

into the system providing a more timely, concise medical record.

Paper use will be greatly decreased, therefore, lowering the negative impact on the environment.

Prescription WriterEssentia EMR also includes a

prescription writer. Providers will be able to issue a

prescription from the computer system directly to the pharmacy.

Prescription writer is a time saving feature which also increases accuracy.

Remote DepartmentsCurrently, our crisis department and

Type 50 departments do not use electronic medical records.

Essentia EMR has clinical documentation to support both departments.

Communication will be improved among departments through the new EMR.

Remote Departments cont.

Essentia EMR can be accessed remotely by providers from any location with

internet connection, therefore, will be beneficial in on-call and crisis situations.

Risk ReductionFeatures including prescription writer

and remote access reduce risk of error through complete timely documentation.

Prescription writer will also reduce the possibility of tampering or altering prescriptions.

TelepsychiatryEssentia EMR is compatible with our

telepsychiatry system. Telepsychiatry provides psychiatric

assessment and management to patients’ unable to access face to face care.

Multiple DisciplinesBehavioral health consists of several

different disciplines, therefore, a medical record must be able to support the needs of the various disciplines.

Various needs include prescription, transcription, treatment planning, labs, diagnostics and crisis.

Cost EffectivenessCost management and productivity

must be considered when implementing a new EMR.

Essentia EMR is cost effective as it will replace a second EMR and paper charts, therefore, reducing the staff needed to manage multiple systems.

Cost Effectiveness cont.Combining the two medical records and

paper charts will also improve productivity, therefore, improve the financial status of the practice.

Quality of CareQuality of care is the most important

consideration regarding an EMR. Essentia EMR will improve quality of

care through improved communication, risk reduction and accuracy.

Ease of UseAn important factor when implementing

a new EMR is the ease of use. Essentia EMR is easy to understand

and flows well. Ease of use will impact compliance

either positively or negatively.

TrainingAll staff will receive training on the new

EMR prior to implementation. Training will be department specific. Educating staff is imperative to a

positive outcome regarding a new EMR.

ProductivityAs a healthcare provider, productivity

has become a necessity in order to meet the demands of the patients’ and the financial obligations of the practice.

This concept is often met with resistance, however, implementing an EMR that can assist in productivity will decrease resistance.

Changes in HealthcareHealth care systems are constantly

changing, therefore, providers’ must explore and implement systems to improve productivity, communication, safety, quality and risk reduction.

A concise EMR will reduce cost, improve safety and improve productivity.

ImplementationEssentia EMR has been partially

implemented into our practice and will be fully implemented in the near future.

At this time, the system appears to be able to meet the needs of the practice, however, until the system is implemented a complete evaluation is impossible.