Dayton’s most experienced EHR users see the future of VA healthcare – VA News and Information (.gov)

Dayton’s most experienced EHR users see the future of VA healthcare  VA News and Information (.gov)

Dayton VAMC’s move to the Federal EHR marks a major milestone. Long-serving leaders reflect on the shift from paper to CPRS to today’s system and its impact on Veteran care. The transition to the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) at the Dayton VA Medical Center (VAMC) is more than a technical upgrade, it’s a moment shaped by the people who have dedicated their careers to advancing Veteran care. Among them are three leaders whose combined experience, warmth and unwavering commitment shine through every conversation: Marna McCrary, health promotion/disease prevention program manager; Tronica Wheeler, chief of quality & patient safety; and Linda Borns, nurse manager. Their insight comes at a pivotal moment as VA accelerates deployment of the Federal EHR, a modern, interoperable medical record system that unites Veterans’ health information across VA, the Department of War and community partners.

Unlike the legacy systems that operated facility by facility, the Federal EHR creates nationwide standardization, improves data sharing, and streamlines workflows to enhance safety and continuity of care—all changes these leaders are helping bring to life at the Dayton VAMC. The three registered nurses, who have dedicated their entire careers to the Dayton VAMC and together have 94 years of experience, recalled their first experiences with the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)—the long-standing system used by VA. Transitioning from paper to