Implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems has become essential in the majority of hospitals across the state. However, choosing a proper EHR system is not the only step in developing the hospital’s environment. The introduction of new technologies requires a well-structured plan or strategy. There are two main types of strategic planning in healthcare – prospective and emergent (Mennella & Smith, 2018). It is recommended that Barbara choose the prospective method since it allows for preparing for future issues, unlike the emergent strategy. In addition, it helps establish long-term plans and predict their outcomes (Mennella & Smith, 2018). Hence, to implement the HER system, Barbara should consider numerous aspects such as investments, training, and others that require thorough and prospective planning.
Taking into account the suggested strategy, it may be concluded that Barbara needs to use the EHR program that best attains her goals. Since she has much money to invest in its development, the most suitable would be the remotely-hosted system. In general, this system fulfills Barbara’s objectives and provides instant access to the patients’ records from any healthcare facility. What is more, it contributes to the chosen strategy because its implementation may take much time. Barbara and her colleagues can intervene in necessary measures and allocate resources appropriately. This program is beneficial because, in case of emergencies, hospital employees can find all the required information about the patient in a short time (Gerard, 2021). Additionally, it is capable of storing information in large amounts on cloud storage. Even though it is subjected to attacks, Barbara could invest in internal and external security systems allowing for data protection.
After choosing the strategy and the EHR system, Barbara should create action items on the basis of financial, technical, and human resources. The financial aspect implies allocating money proportionately on installing, testing, and launching the EHR system (Fragidis & Chatzoglou, 2018). Then, the technical component stands for the capacity of the equipment to perform new functions such as storing massive amounts of records (Muliar, 2019). Work or human resources involves staff training, the number of employees who can access data, and their flexibility to adapt to changes.
The action plan itself should develop several stages, including preparation, test, and launch. First, Barbara should consider the budget and hire accounting specialists to allocate finances adequately. Second, Barbara needs to measure organization size and hire an EHR implementation team so that the professional could launch the system successfully. In addition, it is vital to allocate roles within the group, such as a lead physician, lead superuser, and project manager (Aguirre et al., 2019). Preparing the software and defining the hardware needs are the next steps (Fragidis & Chatzoglou, 2018). The following stage refers to transferring the data, adapting the devices to new applications, and creating a solid workflow at the workplace. Finally, extensive training is vital to ensure EHR system implementation because only trained staff can guarantee a productive working process and help patients instantly.
As a result of installing the EHR system in a healthcare facility, the data can be kept safely in a storage cloud. Moreover, the new technology will allow for finding patients’ records faster, which will ensure the ease and speed of the workflow. Data transmission, cost savings, and productivity are guaranteed to boost. Additionally, healthcare should improve care coordination by checking and updating patients’ information. Conclusively, clients’ health outcomes and quality of care are expected to facilitate.
References
Aguirre, R. R., Suarez, O., Fuentes, M., & Sanchez-Gonzalez, M. A. (2019). Electronic health record implementation: A review of resources and tools. Cureus, 11(9), e5649. Web.
Fragidis, L.L., & Chatzoglou, P.D. (2018). Implementation of a nationwide electronic health record (EHR): The international experience in 13 countries. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 31(2), 116-130. Web.
Gerard, N. (2021). Healthcare management and the humanities: An invitation to dialogue. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(13), 1-10. Web.
Mennella, H. D. A.-B., & Smith, N. R. M. C. (2018). Strategic management in healthcare. CINAHL Nursing Guide, 1-4.
Muliar, H. V. (2019). Programming regulation and strategic planning in the health care sector. Bulletin of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, 2019(87), 129-138.