This guide discusses the importance of clinician involvement in optimizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs). It outlines how the perceived value of EHR systems can clash with real-world experiences, potentially jeopardizing the success of new workflows. The document emphasizes that without a clinician-driven strategy, the return on investment (ROI) for EHR systems may diminish. It details the negative impacts of not integrating clinician feedback, including reduced adoption rates, increased risky workarounds, and negative patient experiences. The guide highlights the need for clinician buy-in to avoid costly shelfware and security issues. It also explains that when clinicians face fewer workflow challenges, they can provide better patient care, leading to improved satisfaction and reduced burnout. The document concludes by stressing the necessity of engaging clinicians early in the optimization process to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop effective solutions.