More than 100 physicians, nurses, Fairview leaders and industry experts—including executives from Epic and Eclipsys—came together May 8-9 to develop an electronic health record (EHR) strategy for Fairview. Participants shared perspectives and brainstormed possible approaches, tackling such complex issues as how to articulate the value of EHR, the implications of different approaches for various stakeholder groups and governance models.

Participants worked to develop an EHR blueprint that establishes a single view of all patient data with a customizable, user-friendly and nimble interface for providers and patients. The blueprint also underscored the need to allow clinicians to access data in different ways (think smartphones and personalized Web portals). Finally,

all participants agreed whatever approach Fairview adopts must support the Fairview vision-not individual care systems-and focus squarely on the patient.

The group recommended conducting a detailed assessment of the current EHR and making recommendations for an updated, more portable and flexible EHR no later than Oct. 31. The group also agreed to build clinical and business cases for an integrated EHR and create an investment plan to address all potential costs throughout the organization. A strategic work group of Fairview physicians, employees and partners from across the system will drive this work.

For updates on the EHR work and opportunities to contribute input, click on the Hot Spot on the Fairview intranet to visit the Inside Informatics blog.