Implementing a new cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) platform at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) can seem like a daunting task. Yet for sites still dictating and transcribing procedure notes or documenting on paper, adopting a cloud-based clinical documentation solution may be necessary to maintain patient throughput.
The future of clinical documentation is in the cloud, so many facilities are switching to solutions that can automatically back-up data. Cloud-based solutions have features and functionality that can improve physician and nursing documentation efficiency and give clinicians the ability to document anywhere, anytime.
According to Physicians Endoscopy’s vice president of operations (West Coast), Raymond Hino, MPA, FACHE, ASCs should use the following best practices when implementing a new SaaS solution.
Best practice #1: Identify an internal champion
Although cloud solutions should be intuitive, sites should have a point person to help coordinate the transition. A nurse manager or a physician champion user are usually knowledgeable, on-site contacts that can help ensure adoption is successful. Internal champions help:
- Explain the importance of introducing SaaS at an ASC
- Prepare staff for change
- Reduce clinician burden and confusion
- Avoid initial dissatisfaction with unfamiliar solution features or change in workflows
- Reduce patient schedule to accommodate any learning curve
Best practice #2: Recognize the importance of clinical staff education
Staff education is a crucial element in ensuring the success of implementing SaaS at ASCs. Before the launch date, emphasize the difference between the acloud-based solution and their previous workflow. Discuss the benefits and explain that the change will help the all stakeholders – the ASC, physicians and patient throughput.
Inform staff that cloud-based solutions can save clinicians time daily and reduce lag time between dictation and transcription. Well-built software can give clinicians instantaneous reports and allow physicians to document immediately following a procedure.
Best practice #3: Prepare for the future
Sites should consider their future when implementing SaaS at their ASC. Understanding the investment will help your site quickly navigate the change and see both monetary and time-saving outcomes.
Cloud-based procedure documentation software can provide many benefits, including:
- Automatic server updates and backups
- No servers to buy or maintain
- Increased physician satisfaction and workflow personalization
For more information on adopting an intuitive SaaS solution at your ASC, visit Cloud-Based Provation Apex.