How to Choose or Change an Electronic Health Record System

• Failure of electronic health record (EHR) systems is a common problem; over half of EHR purchases are replacements for products that did not meet the needs of the practice or facility.
• Excellent information is available online from government and professional sources to help nurse practitioners achieve appropriate informatics competency.
• A basic understanding of project management methods and techniques is necessary for nurse practitioners before EHR selection and implementation.
• Once the EHR product choice has been determined, the practice should hire an attorney with EHR contract experience to assist with contract preparation.
• Advanced practice nurses should be an integral part of every step of EHR implementation and use and should stand out as experts in health care informatics.

Nurse practitioners across the United States use or are about to use electronic health record (EHR) systems while having minimal input into EHR purchase decisions. The EHR system can affect provider and patient satisfaction, reimbursement, and other aspects of practice. Most EHR planning tools focus on hardware and software needs, rather than the process used to identify the right product; however, the EHR may fail if an inappropriate process is used. Ten elements essential to purchase and implement an EHR system and the steps to take if the current EHR does not meet practice needs are reviewed.