Abstract
Given the unique role Primary Care plays in the health journeys of their patients capturing their perspectives on harmonized electronic medical records is critical.
In Ontario, Canada, our multi-disciplinary, Primary Care led working group evaluated clinicians’ needs in the context of a “One Person, One Record” health information system. Previous quantitative phases of our work indicated that primary care clinicians had interest in supporting it but concerns that required attention such as data considerations, information exchange, practice support, costs, privacy, governance, and practice efficiency and autonomy. We grouped this feedback into three discovery areas; (1)system features, (2) change management, and (3) test of change. In summary, voices of clinicians pointed to a clear need for robust engagement. The question remained how to accomplish this task.
Workshop Component(30 minutes)
After introducing the audience to the context, the audience will be guided in a group, case-study, problem-solving exercise. The objective of the exercise is to co-design an evaluation-based, primary-care engagement approach within a specific set of parameters (i.e. timeline, funding/ budget, human resources, partners, health teams.)
Discovery Component (15 minutes)
The tables (groups) will be asked to briefly share their participatory evaluation approaches.
Our Approach and Methods(10 minutes)
During this component of the workshop, we will walk the audience through the actual method that we used, while drawing upon connections from their insights. In 2023, we undertook the socialization phase of our work using qualitative methods to foster in-depth dialogues on the central themes. Our working group co-designed our engagement approach using diffusion of innovation theory and a complimentary participatory evaluation approach.
Primary Care clinicians and administrative personnel (n=54) were engaged in mini focus groups on these topics in the form of a World Café series. The change management themes (and corresponding subsets of probing questions stemming from them) were grouped in to three distinct breakout discussions framed by the following over-arching research questions.
- SYSTEM NEEDS
What system features would be necessary for clinicians to adopt a new integrated EMR?
- CHANGE MANAGEMENT
What actions and supports are necessary for the successful diffusion and uptake of an integrated EMR?
- TEST OF CHANGE
What are the core elements of a primary care pilot that will lead to spread and scale of an integrated EMR?
Findings(10 minutes)
This panel will share its, tools, and best practices with audience members on this primary care engagement approach for spread and scale purposes, in addition to the qualitative data representing primary cares’ change management needs.
Discussion (15 minutes)
Conclusion, Recommendations and Contributions: Recently, the discussion of primary care adopting a Health Information System (HIS) for their practices has been trending across the world. To get there, an in-depth understanding of primary care’s current systems, support and test of change needs is required. Components are not just a one-time assessment; they are ongoing as service levels and requirements mature. This panel will share insights on how to explore key components using a method that has been tested, endorsed, and delivered by primary care.