Selecting a Health Care Information System

Some Thoughts The competitive advantages associated with health information systems are contingent upon: The technology The degree to which technology meets the organization’s needs The strength of the information services staff the speed and method by which the system is implemented 2

Some Thoughts There is no “right” choice The best place to start when selecting a healthcare information system is with the strategic plan because it sets goals and determines technology needs. Strategic planing is the development of a comprehensive long range plan for guiding the activities and operations of an organization. It includes defininf mission, goals, developing strategies and setting policy guidelines 3

Life Cycle The process for the selection and implementation of an information Ongoing process of developing and maintaining an information system Four main phases that cover the life span of information systems 4

Life Cycle Phases Needs assessment System selection Implementation Maintenance As needs change an organization may find it necessary to upgrade information system periodically 5

FIGURE 8–1 The life cycle of an information system 6

Needs Assessment Initiated by someone with a vision of the future Analyzes the organization’s needs Consider the strategic plan Identifies deficits and issues The selection committee uses data to generate a list of possible solutions 7

Needs Assessment The decision making should involve a committee the include Clinical users Information system specialists Administrative and executive board rep Decision of whether : Minor modificiabtion to the current system Major modification Purchase of new system

Steering Committee Members Key to process Membership Board members (ensure congruence with organizational strategic plan) Representatives from all departments affected (decrease possibility of missing potential problems) Must include end users Chair should be a member of administration 9

Steering Committee Structure Large enough to make a good decision but small enough to be effective and efficient Who will make the final decisions? Multilevel committee Upper level makes final decisions Lower level makes recommendations May be given to certain department, shared between department or shared equally among the members 10

Committee Considerations Steering Committee members must receive release time from other responsibilities Want users with functional expertise, good communication, and ideally a computing background May use input from consultants 11

Consultants The committee decides whether a consultant should be used May be used for any part of the selection or implementation processes Effective use requires clear definition of the contractual relationship and expected outcomes May be used to analyze all available information and make recommendations Consultants may be used for planning testing security policy and procedure development 12

Analysis of Current System Thorough understanding is essential Must determine what information is used, who uses it, and how it is used May use questionnaires, observation, and interviews Must weigh strengths and weaknesses 13

Analysis of Current System After reviewing the current system the committee needs to determine What info should be kept Whether there is a redundant info Info that are unnecessary 14

Questions?