Step-by-Step Guide to Integrate the Morisky Scale into an EHR System

Integrating the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) into an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system can help healthcare providers monitor medication adherence effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:


Understand the Requirements

• Familiarize yourself with the Morisky scale questions and scoring system.
• Obtain licensing rights if required (MMAS is copyrighted).
• Define the workflow: How will the scale be administered (e.g., in-person, via patient portals, or during telehealth visits)?

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Consult Your EHR Vendor

• Contact your EHR vendor to ensure the system can accommodate custom forms or scales.
• Confirm whether your EHR supports:
• Customizable questionnaires.
• Automated scoring logic.
  Integration with decision support tools.

Design the Morisky Scale in the EHR

• Use your EHR’s form builder or template editor to create the scale
• Include all MMAS questions (e.g., “Do you ever forget to take your medicine?”).
• Add response options (Yes/No or multiple-choice, depending on the version).
• Implement scoring logic:
• Assign points to each response.
• Automate the calculation of adherence levels (e.g., Low, Medium, High).

Integrate with Clinical Workflow

• During intake by medical assistants.
• In provider assessments.
• Via patient self-assessments through the patient portal.
• Include prompts for follow-ups based on adherence scores.

Link to Decision Support Tools

• Set up alerts or recommendations based on adherence levels.
• For low adherence, suggest provider interventions like counseling or medication reviews.
• Provide patient education materials when appropriate.

Test the Integration

• Conduct usability testing with a small group of users (e.g., providers and staff).

Train Staff and Providers

• How to use the scale within the EHR.
• Interpreting results and incorporating them into care plans.
• Provide quick reference guides or videos if needed.

Monitor and Refine

• Gather feedback from users.
• Analyze adherence data trends to assess the tool’s impact.
• Work with the EHR vendor to make adjustments as necessary.

Ensure Compliance

• Confirm the scale meets all regulatory requirements for patient data (e.g., HIPAA).
• Maintain the license for MMAS usage, if applicable.

Promote Patient Engagement

• Educate patients about the purpose of the scale.
• Encourage them to use it proactively through patient portals or during visits.

By following these steps, the Morisky scale can become a valuable addition to your EHR, enhancing medication adherence monitoring and improving patient outcomes.