As our system has tackled the EMR process, we have found that our vendor is not a one-size fits all.  The implementation team has been able to find work-arounds for most issues.  The big issue that we are dealing with is that scanning and archiving was not developed for long term care.  The discussion now is to what needs to be printed as part of the legal chart.  This whole process seems like a waste as the core goal of the EMR is to eliminate a printed chart.  We are trialing going to a jump drive and having IS download each week versus printing a product that is not printer friendly and would only waste time and paper.

Have any of you had any experience with this?  If yes, what was your solution?

My organization has an antiquated CPOE system. We are looking at several vendors now regarding an integrated EMR. This is fascinating. The systems we have investigated covers the gamut of inpatient and outpatient EMR for our 4 hospital system. It is amazing how they can do medication reconciliation, pharmacy management, OR/ER room scheduling, follow flow, follow labs and orders, tie into bed management, etc... They even tie into the outpatient setting and have kiosks for patients to register for care. They also allow the medical record to be accessed (partially) by the patient from home and patients can communicate, make appointments, and get reminders and education on-line. Amazing.

We are looking at Epic, Eclipsys, GE, Cerner, and Mckesson. Each has its pros and cons.

Has anyone had experience in the selection process? Has anyone gone through an implementation?- if so, what worked well and what didn't? I'm sure there are many barriers and learning curves before the true benefit can be reached. But what an amazing capability that should really make care more efficient and safer and ultimately allow more patient-centered care.

This is one of the conflicting subjects that healthcare facilities are facing daily, what are the limits that make medical research can't be an excuse for  checking medical records?