First, I'd advise to take it in "baby steps." Planned baby steps.
1)I'd begin with the scheduler. The scheduler is pretty easy, so you start by having all appointments through the scheduler. Many people are used to having their electronic calender/appointmetns due to MS Outlook or even their Palm.
2)Get the HL7 interface for you lab. This is easy assuming your lab is Quest or Labcorp. When your staff no longer has to file paper labs, "the light will go on." Of course their is the issue of tracking labs. Speak with others concerning use or "Orders." and if it can be used to track labs.
3) Start off only trying to chart 2-5 patients/day using AC. That way it doesn't slow you down too much while you are figuring out how to use it.
4) You may only want to start off with them scanning in old charts when the patient comes in.
5) Make no new paper charts for new patients. All new patients go into AC only.
The idea here is to try to give them some things where they see and feel the benefits and they aren't overwhelmed. In fact, their job becomes somewhat easier. Not having to file labs. Not making up a new chart. Not filing/pulling charts on the newer patients. Not pulling a chart on the established patient (once they came in and had their chart scanned).
I'm actually considering if I can start a side-business helping offices transition to using AC. But for the time being it would only be local.
