Benefits and Challenges of Transitioning Occupational Health to an Enterprise Electronic Health Record

Abstract

Objective Occupational health (OH) documentation has traditionally been separate from health system electronic health records (EHRs), but this can create patient safety and care continuity challenges. Herein, we describe outcomes and challenges of such integration including how one health system managed compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical principles concerning digital privacy. Methods Occupational health integration with the enterprise EHR at the University of California San Diego Health was started in June 2021 and completed in December 2021. Results Integrating with the enterprise EHR allowed for a secure telehealth system, faster visit times, digitization of questionnaires medical clearance forms, and improved reporting capabilities. Conclusions Integration and interoperability are fundamental building blocks to any OH EHR solution and will allow for evaluation of worker population trends, and targeted interventions to improve worker health status.