Answer:
First, it is important to understand what an EHR is. EHR is defined as an Electronic Health Record. This system is a computarized software that will enable a practice, or a hospital institution to store health information and data from the population that it tends to, including personal information, and health data. Because an EHR will become the storing systematized site of such vulnerable, vital information, it is crucial that organization take a lot of precautions when selecting the software they will use. These are some of the considerations to take into account:
1. Evaluate the software design. Since it will be people who will operate the system, it is invaluable that organizations measure if the software is easy enough to use, intuitive enough, that people will adapt to it, without much problem. Also, it will allow them to know how much support it will need, to decrease danger of information being exposed.
2. Evluate the vendor. Reputation is a must given the sensibility of the information being recorded and used. Thus, organizations need to choose a vendor that will give the hospital what it needs, and all the support it may need once the system becomes operational.
3. Costs. How expensive the system will be, if it will fit most of the hospital wards and departments, how much training will the system require so the staff can use it, what kind of technical support will be required, etc.
4. Customization: Since not all EHR systems can fit everyone, it is vital to learn about how easy it would be to customize the system, before it is implemented.
5. Evaluate if the system chosen really meets the goals of the institution or not. If they do not, then, choose another that fits better.
