Reflect on these possible barriers and opportunities:
The new system must be fully implemented in 2 years.
The hospital has a very small IT department and a modest budget.
The new EHR (whether upgraded or new) requires larger servers, new devices, central monitors, printers, and tablets.
The wireless infrastructure must be upgraded to eliminate known dead spots in areas of the facility.
The hospital wants to more effectively take advantage of select features such as clinical decision support and incorporate evidence-based clinical practices.
Full Answer Section
- Hardware Upgrades: The need for larger servers, new devices, and infrastructure upgrades like wireless dead spot elimination requires additional budget allocation and potential downtime during installation.
- Staff Training: Staff must be adequately trained on the new EHR system to ensure smooth adoption. This requires additional time and resources.
- Change Management: Transitioning to a new system can be disruptive for staff. Developing a comprehensive change management plan with clear communication, training, and support mechanisms is crucial.
Opportunities:
- Improved Efficiency: A new EHR system can streamline workflows, improve data access, and potentially reduce administrative burdens for staff.
- Enhanced Patient Care: Features like clinical decision support and integration of evidence-based practices can lead to improved quality of care for patients.
- Data Analytics: The new system can provide valuable data for performance improvement, research, and cost analysis.
- Collaboration: Improved communication and information sharing facilitated by the EHR can enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: While upfront costs exist, a new EHR system can potentially lead to long-term cost savings through improved efficiency and reduced errors.
Here are some additional recommendations to consider:
- Vendor Selection: Carefully evaluate vendors considering your budget, desired features, and long-term scalability.
- Phased Implementation: Implement the system in phases, starting with core functionalities and gradually rolling out advanced features.
- User Involvement: Involve staff in the selection and testing phases to gather feedback and ensure user-friendliness.
- Data Migration: Develop a comprehensive data migration plan to ensure accurate and secure transfer of patient information.
- Testing and Training: Rigorous testing is crucial before system launch. Comprehensive training for all staff levels is essential.
By acknowledging the barriers and capitalizing on the opportunities, the hospital can successfully implement a new EHR system that improves patient care, streamlines workflows, and benefits the organization in the long run.