Optimizing Dialysis Clinic Workflow: Quality Improvement Initiative Transitioning from Paper to Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Based Documentation Templates

Background: Efficient documentation is essential for delivering timely, accurate care in dialysis clinics.High-quality records support patient safety, regulatory compliance, and effective interdisciplinary communication. Paper-based rounding forms limit accessibility, delay communication among care teams, and impede quality monitoring.As healthcare digitizes, modernizing documentation is key to improving workflows and care standards. Methods: We implemented a standardized, EHR-integrated documentation template to replace paper rounding forms, with the goal of improving efficiency,real-time communication,and alignment with value-based care in the dialysis setting.We employed a multi-phase, stakeholder-driven design process involving nephrology providers, dialysis nurses, and informatics specialists to develop an electronic rounding template in Cerner PowerChart.The template integrates key clinical data, supports structured assessments, and is accessible to the entire care team, including PCPs, in real time.Educational sessions and usability testing supported adoption and sustainability during rollout. Results: Our initiative represents a shift from fragmented, remotely inaccessible documentation to a real-time, transparent, and audit-ready process.The EHR template streamlines workflow and lays a scalable foundation for future quality efforts, including decision support and automated QAPI reporting.Projected Outcomes:Although formal outcome data collection is in progress, anticipated benefits include:A) Reduced documentation burden and redundancy.B) Faster access to provider notes for nursing and interdisciplinary teams.C) Improved completeness and clarity of clinical plans for interdisciplinary care continuity.D) Enhanced capacity for data-driven quality monitoring. Conclusion: Transitioning from paper to electronic documentation in dialysis clinics is key to efficient, collaborative care.Standardized electronic templates improve workflow and provider satisfaction. Our project highlights the value of leveraging EHR tools to create user-centered design to reshape workflows, create opportunities for continuous quality improvement, streamline documentation and reduce provider burden in outpatient nephrology settings.