Achieving meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) in primary care: Proposed critical processes from the Kentucky Ambulatory Network (KAN).
OBJECTIVE
The Kentucky Ambulatory Network, a practice-based research network, conducted this study to propose critical processes for electronic health record (EHR) implementation.


METHODS
Periodic observation of the implementation process and assessment of meaningful use (MU) metrics within 10 small primary care practices working with a regional extension center.


RESULTS
Through focus groups and structured interviews, the strategies, processes, and procedures used by these practices to achieve MU of EHRs were determined. Implementation themes related to and critical processes associated with EHR adoption were proposed.


CONCLUSIONS
Five proposed critical processes for EHR adoption and achievement of MU were identified; these processes were supported by 70% (7 of 10) of the study practices meeting MU criteria.
From the Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health (MCR, KGS); Institutional Research and Advanced Analytics, University of Kentucky Analytics and Technologies (AOJ); and the Departments of Pediatrics (CS) and Family and Community Medicine (KAP), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington. martha.riddell@uky.edu.
Martha C
MC
Riddell
From the Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health (MCR, KGS); Institutional Research and Advanced Analytics, University of Kentucky Analytics and Technologies (AOJ); and the Departments of Pediatrics (CS) and Family and Community Medicine (KAP), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Katherine G
KG
Sandford
From the Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health (MCR, KGS); Institutional Research and Advanced Analytics, University of Kentucky Analytics and Technologies (AOJ); and the Departments of Pediatrics (CS) and Family and Community Medicine (KAP), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Andrew O
AO
Johnson
From the Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health (MCR, KGS); Institutional Research and Advanced Analytics, University of Kentucky Analytics and Technologies (AOJ); and the Departments of Pediatrics (CS) and Family and Community Medicine (KAP), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Carol
C
Steltenkamp
From the Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health (MCR, KGS); Institutional Research and Advanced Analytics, University of Kentucky Analytics and Technologies (AOJ); and the Departments of Pediatrics (CS) and Family and Community Medicine (KAP), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Kevin A
KA
Pearce
D057286:Electronic Health Records; D017144:Focus Groups; D062527:Meaningful Use; D011320:Primary Health Care
Computerized Medical Record Systems; Electronic Medical Records; Health Care Systems; Medical Informatics; Practice-based Research; Primary Health Care