In the evolving landscape of healthcare, practitioners are continually seeking ways to enhance the quality of care provided to patients with disabilities. A recent study titled Can disability accommodation needs stored in electronic health records help providers prepare for patient visits? A qualitative study sheds light on how embedding disability accommodation needs within electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly impact patient care.
The Importance of EHR-Embedded Accommodation Needs
Embedding patient accommodation needs in EHRs is not yet a standard practice but offers significant potential for improving healthcare delivery. The study highlights that while some medical practices have started asking about accommodation needs during intake, the information is often underutilized due to structural challenges within EHR systems. This gap presents an opportunity for practitioners to leverage technology to better prepare for patient visits.
Key Findings from the Study
- Lack of Advance Knowledge: Healthcare staff often do not know a patient's accommodation needs before their arrival, except in cases where specific arrangements like ASL interpretation are pre-scheduled.
- EHR Structure Challenges: While EHRs provide helpful information, their current structure can create challenges and information gaps, leading to accommodations being developed at the time of the visit rather than in advance.
- Importance of Regular Patients: Providers often rely on their knowledge of regular patients to prepare accommodations, highlighting the need for systematic approaches that do not depend solely on familiarity.
- Support for Advance Preparation: Staff recognize the benefits of having advance knowledge of accommodation needs and support methods that enable this preparation.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
The study suggests several practical steps practitioners can take to improve their skills and patient outcomes:
- Integrate Accommodation Fields: Advocate for the inclusion of standardized accommodation fields in EHR systems to ensure consistent data collection and usage.
- Regularly Update Information: Implement protocols for regularly updating patient accommodation needs to reflect changes over time, ensuring that all staff are aware of current requirements.
- Enhance Staff Training: Invest in training programs that educate staff about disability accommodations and how to effectively use EHR data to plan patient visits.
- Improve Communication Systems: Develop systems that facilitate seamless communication between scheduling and clinical teams, ensuring that all relevant information is accessible when needed.
The Path Forward: Encouraging Further Research
The findings from this study underscore the need for further research into the integration of disability accommodation needs within EHRs. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional studies and contribute to developing best practices that enhance healthcare delivery for patients with disabilities. By doing so, they can play a crucial role in advancing healthcare equity and improving patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
The integration of disability accommodation needs into electronic health records presents a valuable opportunity for practitioners to enhance their skills and improve patient care. By addressing current challenges and implementing recommended practices, healthcare providers can ensure more effective and equitable care for all patients. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Can disability accommodation needs stored in electronic health records help providers prepare for patient visits? A qualitative study.
