In my last two blogs I’ve presented my ideas about implementing an EMR with three groupings of clinicians in mind. First we covered the “Excited” but impatient, then the “Willing” but concerned and skeptical.  Now let’s focus on the “Frightened” and again ask:

·       who they are?

·       what is their attitude to computers?

·       what does their motivation look like?

These clinicians are definitely mature. They have no kids at home and are less likely to have embraced new technology. They’ve had long professional careers and been at their organization for years. They are settled into established roles and methods in their work.  They may be eying their pensions and counting the years to retirement.  They are the elders of the community whose wisdom and experience bring such value to a clinical team.  They are computer naïve, intimidated.

When faced with the move from paper to computer, their initial response will probably be resistance, as they share the Willing group’s concerns about computerization diminishing the work and disrupting functional routines.  They may also present as grumpy.  Beneath these reactions, they are mostly worried they will look dumb and feel embarrassed as they learn. Some will fear they will never be able to master the machine.

These organization elders must be approached with great respect and sensitivity.  They must be extravagantly supported.  One-to-one on site tutoring is a frequent plan.  Training in a peer group setting by a peer rather than a whippersnapper preserves dignity and creates support. Use your ingenuity to help these clinicians become less anxious about giving the EMR a try.  My favorite success vignette is of a psychiatric elder who in the beginning protested mightily about computerization. After personalized training, he was so delighted and energized by his mastery of the software that he evolved into an enthusiastic local champion.  So rewarding for both of us.

Please share any tips and happy outcome stories you may have.