Question

Real-World Case 6

Certain members of the C-Suite in ABC Hospital are interested in adding voice recognition (VR) software to their current EHR. As Director of HIM, Cynthia Reedy is preparing an extensive report on the impact this would have on the department. She is proposing a feasibility study and subsequent RFP be completed. The initial aspect of the report includes information on voice recognition including the projected workload of VR software and how it would be implemented in the daily EHR operations. This includes its usage for the standard transcribed reports (discharge summaries, histories/physicals, operative, autopsy, and consultation reports, etc.), as well as physician progress notes, nursing care documentation, and other therapy documentation. A review of historic and current transcription workload, number of staff with respective salary and benefits, supplies, and equipment is completed. Obviously, costs are a major issue. The cost of the software including maintenance and upgrades, as well as hardware such as additional microphones, monitors, etc. are identified. Training costs for users and quality evaluators are determined. Staffing (current staff whose position(s) will be upgraded) for documentation quality and validation plus technical support were also identified. Workload estimates for quality checks were figured into VR projected costs. The Human Resources Department was consulted regarding the process of lay-offs for some of the staff whose positions are not upgraded. Project management costs, including site visits, will be added to the proposal. Do you think the implementation of computers in HIM would have different impacts on older and younger employees? Will there be a time when HIM is completely electronic? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The impacts which can be seen in employees are

• The older staffs are not accustomed much with the technology. These staffs needs adequate training and knowledge regarding the use of the computer in HIM.If there is no training then there can be difficulty in implementing and drawbacks in the quality of care provided
• The new staffs too need training but as they are used up with many new technologies handy from their early childhood they can use computer in HIM without much effortless training. It will be welcoming one if it saves their time

Due to advancement in the technology and its usage there are obsolete chances for HIM to be managed completely electronic. This may make the centralization of HIM .