When people think of a digital health system, the immediate assumption is often paperless. However, for most health systems, especially those in transition, the reality is something closer to less paper. As we navigate the journey of digital transformation in healthcare, it’s important to manage expectations and focus on the tangible steps being taken toward that end goal.

Digital transformation, particularly through the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR), is not just about eliminating paper. It’s about reimagining how information is captured, stored, accessed, and used to improve patient care, operational efficiency, and decision-making. The EHR offers numerous benefits: faster retrieval of information, improved accuracy, reduced duplication, greater security, and the ability to support integrated care across departments and regions.

Just a year ago, health records departments across the system were overwhelmed with physical files—one for every single patient interaction, every visit, every referral. This created logistical nightmares and delays in care delivery. Fast forward to today: the only documents that remain on paper are those requiring a wet signature from the patient. Even these are promptly scanned into the digital system, reducing physical storage needs and improving access to information when it matters most.

What we are witnessing is not the end of paper, but the beginning of transformation. The process of shifting from paper-heavy to digitally driven workflows is well underway. And while some manual processes remain, they are becoming the exception rather than the norm. This hybrid model is a necessary and realistic phase in the journey to full digital maturity.

So, what’s the answer to the question? It’s less paper for now, and paperless on the horizon. How quickly we get there will depend on how smoothly we manage the transition—investing in infrastructure, training, change management, and continuous improvement. The EHR is a powerful enabler, but the real transformation lies in how we use it to rethink care, not just reduce clutter.

 

by Cordell Williams Graham

HSSP Change Management Specialist

Email: [email protected]