In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, streamlining clinical workflows is more than a goal—it’s a necessity. At the heart of this transformation is the integration of advanced tools into existing systems. In Kettering, Ohio, professionals in healthcare IT and breast imaging are experiencing a paradigm shift with an EHR-integrated cancer risk assessment embedded directly into their Epic EHR. This integration not only simplifies documentation but also improves the consistency and efficiency of breast cancer screening workflows.
The Challenge: Fragmented Risk Assessments in Breast Imaging
Kettering Health’s Breast Centers were previously burdened by disjointed processes. Traditional risk assessments involved using separate tablet-based systems, leading to:
- Unreliable Wi-Fi dependency
- Time-consuming explanations for obtaining patient consent
- Lack of seamless integration with their internal systems
- Difficulty in generating actionable reports and stratifying risk accurately
In addition, staff encountered consistency issues when multiple risk models and vendors were employed. With manual entry and errors, the need for a unified and automated approach became apparent.
How EHR Integration Solved Kettering’s Workflow Gaps
To address these challenges, Kettering Health adopted an innovative approach by fully integrating the Volpara CRA tool into their Epic EHR system. This integration connected two critical elements: Epic EHR and Volpara CRA. The workflow became simplified, and risk assessments were now automatically included in mammography reports, eliminating the need for redundant processes.
Steps to Successful Integration
- Eliminating External Dependencies: By embedding the risk assessment questions directly in the clinical history section of Epic, Kettering removed the need for separate tablet-based systems.
- Seamless Workflow Enhancements: Integration allowed radiology technologists, surgeons, OB/GYNs, and later primary care providers to access risk assessments directly during any imaging encounter. For more insights on the role of primary care in healthcare IT, see our article on value-based care.
- Centralized Data Collection: Automated data input improved communication between departments and allowed for standardized care delivery using evidence-based practices as detailed in stories from Mayo Clinic.
Results: 47% More High-Risk Patients Screened
With the integration, Kettering Health observed significant improvements in workflow efficiencies, notably a steady year-over-year increase in screening breast MRIs. Key metrics include increases of 47%, 22%, 35%, and 19% over respective yearly comparisons. These figures not only highlight the success of the system-wide integration but also underscore how EHR-integrated cancer risk assessment minimizes manual errors and enhances patient care by enabling early detection and timely intervention.
Key Takeaways for Other Health Systems
The success at Kettering offers several lessons for other health systems aiming to improve their risk assessments:
- Integrate with Existing Systems: Utilize a centralized platform that allows direct documentation of risk data. Consider the significant benefits of embedding tools into systems like Epic EHR.
- Standardize Workflow Processes: A single, consistent tool mitigates inconsistencies and improves operational efficiency. Learn more about standardized practices by visiting this Healthcare IT News piece.
- Align Clinical and IT Teams: Effective integration requires coordination across clinical, technical, and operational teams. As noted in several industry reports, alignment is key to success.
- Plan for Future Enhancements: As new challenges emerge, consider additional automation and integration upgrades. For instance, linking to a dedicated precision medicine initiative can further enhance care outcomes.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
The experience of Kettering Health demonstrates that integrating a cancer risk assessment tool into an EHR like Epic can dramatically improve screening efficiency and patient care. With the automated inclusion of risk data and streamlined workflows, healthcare providers can focus more on delivering high-quality, evidence-based care while reducing manual errors. If your organization is ready to take the next step in risk assessment innovation, explore our EHR-integrated tools or contact our team for a demo. Embrace the future of healthcare IT now and see how automation can lead to improved outcomes and operational excellence.
By learning from Kettering’s experience, healthcare systems worldwide can ensure that every step—from initial screening to intervention—is optimized for accuracy and efficiency. Ready to streamline your risk assessments? Start your journey today!