TIL that EPR system demonstrations, at least those given early on in the implementation process, can be frustrating for clinicians.
They begin with mental pictures of their existing workflows and the demonstration gives them an image of the new system.
This picture may be based on an assumption that what they see on the screen is exactly what they’ll be using in the future, even though, in reality, it’ll usually be configured to meet their needs.
Either way, the demonstration naturally results in a comparison between the two pictures: how they currently work and what the demonstrated system will allow them to do.
Since the two pictures are usually different, and sometimes very different, the demonstration causes them to identify discrepancies. These discrepancies may be perceived as problems to be solved.
So they have a new EPR, which they may not have been involved in choosing, and now they see that the new system is full of problems.
So my theory is that system demos — widely assumed to be a positive experience for end users — can actually lead to frustration, conflict, and disempowerment.
Further ideas to explore:
- Discovery before demonstration
- A new EPR is not a problem to be solved