Date of Conferral

8-31-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Dr. Miriam Ross

Abstract

Rural clinics continue to face several barriers in utilizing advanced electronic health record (EHR) features, including interoperability, data sharing, and care coordination. The purpose of this integrative review was to investigate strategies to overcome barriers to the use of advanced EHRs and enhance data-sharing and reporting capabilities in rural clinics. The review question emphasized viable strategies for overcoming barriers to advanced EHR utilization and enhancing data-sharing and reporting capabilities in rural clinics. The consolidated framework for implementation research provided a conceptual model for understanding the various facets of EHR optimization. A literature search initially resulted in 135 relevant articles. After further exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied, an additional 105 articles were excluded, and 30 articles were evaluated with the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model. Based on the John Hopkins evaluation, only 23 articles were relevant for this project. A thematic analysis identified six main themes and 15 subthemes. The six main themes were strengthening interoperability, optimizing EHR workflow, cultivating staff readiness, improving information governance, advancing care coordination, and increasing performance accountability. Key subthemes were standardized data exchange, improved vendor integration, and improved outcome measurement. Four recommendations emerged from the analysis: (a) implement an interoperability optimization strategy, (b) EHR training, (c) redesign EHR workflows to mitigate documentation burden, and (d) strengthen data quality and care coordination. The findings indicated that effective use of advanced EHR features can improve data quality, care coordination, and reporting reliability, thereby facilitating positive social change for patients.

Download

Share

 
COinS