Peer-led education helps physicians save time with EHRs

(HealthDay)—A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.

An educational program called Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect Essentials (KP HCE), which was designed to maximize the effectiveness of physicians’ use of EHRs, was established after problems were reported by physicians at the Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG). In three years, more than 4,000 physicians have completed KP HCE; more than 96 percent recommend the voluntary training to their peers. Almost all physicians agreed that the training had equipped them with critical skills that can be used in their daily operations and felt that it was a productive use of their time.

Attendees reported that they enjoyed learning from their peers, and trainers understood the workflows and demands of their colleagues, improving learning opportunities. Three days of protected educational time were provided to trainees with no patient responsibilities; physicians received continuing medical education credit for these sessions. Potential physician trainers exist in every organization and can find a way to be available for the training courses, where they are paid for their time.

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