Answer:
Implementing the use of a new system for Electronic Health Records (EHR) is no easy feat, especially in a hospital, where there are so many needs that have to taken into account and met.
In this particular case, we have you, who have been appointed as the Project Manager for the new EHR UMUC hospital wants to implement, and you have to selec the best vendor to provide the services you require for your project to be successful. Although the choice will depend a lot on the evaluation that you make of all the possible candidates, there are at least five considerations that you must keep in mind in order to make the best choice.
1. Software design: This feature ensures that your employees will have an easy time not just adapting to their new system, but also migrating everything it. It will also ensure that your employees will be able to learn fast how to use the EHR, instead of you having to deploy multiple resources in order to re-train them on the correct use of the program. Finally, the software must be as easy as possible for employees, even the least tech-savy, to use.
2. Vendor reputation: Although it is true that some of the least experience vendors may have a good product to offer, it is always safer to take into account reputation: has that vendor worked with other hospitals, how have other costumers evaluated the product of that vendor. If any of the least known, has a product that meets all the criteria, but has never tested it on big businesses, like a hospital, it is always safer to first find out references, or go for those who have already had experience in the field.
3. Costs: It is not just about the cost of the system, but also, all the added costs that putting in a new system from a vendor might carry: whether additional software is needed to meet specific conditions, whether training is needed, among other costs that come with a new system. It is always better to go with a system that offers the most, even if the initial price may be high, but it ensures that down the road, you will not have to spend more and more on additionals.
4. Customization: How easy it is for you, later on, to adjust the system to your particular needs, and those of your hospital. You will also have to meet the needs of doctors´ practices associated with the hospital, so, always bear in mind that.
5. Finally, take into account the long-term goals of your hospital and the objectives. Evaluate if the system will help achieve those goals, or not.
