Optimizing use of an electronic medical record system for quality improvement initiatives in hemodialysis: Review of a single center experience

Introduction: The complexity of managing patients with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis underscores the importance of implementing quality improvement (QI) initiatives to enhance patient safety and prioritize patient-centered care. To address this, we established a QI committee at our tertiary academic center focusing on evidence-based practices, patient-centered approaches, and cost efficiency. To facilitate the seamless implementation of QI initiatives, we leveraged the capabilities of our electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Methods: This review details effective strategies for optimizing use of an EMR system to successfully implement QI efforts. Drawing from our experience, we provide detailed descriptions and practical insights that can be applied to other EMRs.

Findings: The creation of a secure and accessible dashboard, offering real-time data on quality metrics, stands out as the most notable feature. This dashboard operates through an algorithm that merges data from both our dialysis and hospital EMR systems. Its primary objectives are to streamline the identification of high-priority patients, enhance team communication, and facilitate tracking of quality indicators. Additionally, we integrated clinical pathways, checklists, and standardized protocols into the renal EMR to ensure smooth implementation of QI interventions. Notable examples of these interventions include an incremental hemodialysis protocol, a new hemodialysis start checklist, vaccination care plans, and personalized kidney transplant workups. Programmed electronic automatic reminders have proven invaluable in ensuring timely follow-ups of assigned tasks. The EMR has also contributed to medication optimization and deprescribing by generating patient lists based on specific medication classes. Finally, the EMR's capability to swiftly generate lists of patients with specific features has significantly facilitated targeted QI interventions.

Conclusions: Leveraging the capabilities of an EMR system can be crucial for enhancing care of hemodialysis patients and implementing effective QI initiatives.