If you are planning to implement an EHR system at your practice, You might want to know more about the stages involved.
From an Information Technology point of view, there are six stages in the implementation road map.
Stage 1: Assessment
Stage 2: Planning
Stage 3: Selection
Stage 4: Implementation
Stage 5: Evaluation
Stage 6: Improvement
Lets examine each stage and develop the frame work of a road map.
Stage 1:Assessment
A Project team represented by staff with the appropriate skills is formed and regular team meetings are conducted. These team meetings continue through out the six stages.
The first stage Assessment helps prepare the practice for the implementation by completing a Practice Readiness Assessment, This includes The profile of the Practice in terms of IT, assessment of Office staff usually conducted as an assessment Survey. A Hardware requirement analysis is also carried out at this stage."
Stage 2: Planning
The practice data collected in the previous stage (Practice Readiness Assessment, Practice profile (IT)& Office staff skills survey)is carefully reviewed and based on this, the electronic health records implementation goals are defined and improvement opportunities are identified and targeted.
Stage 3: Selection
Based on the above defined Implementation plan, the EHR system's requirements is defined. This will cover the EHR system configuration and a selection process and details of the goals that are archived based on the selection. The EHR system is selected in this stage.
Stage 4: Implementation
An EHR system implementation plan is created and the time lines for the implementation is agreed upon with the vendor. The implementation plan includes details on Installation and configuration of Hardware and EHR system software. Staff training program is initiated and System testing follows. The staff begin to use the EHR system. A journal of experience and processes is maintained.
Stage 5: Evaluation
A post implementation review is conducted and the Journal of experience/ processes is updated. The performance measures created during the planning phase are validated and a improvement plan is prepared.
Stage 6: Improvement
During this phase the EHR is modified to resolve issues encountered during the evaluation phase. Improvements as defined in the improvement plan are carried out.
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