Post-implementation evaluations (PIE) are critical in ensuring a project’s success. The PIE reports direct the senior managers on how to improve the outcomes of an implemented project further. Post-implementation reviews also provide an overview of a completed project’s success, challenges, outcomes, and lessons. This, in turn, provides a framework within which organizational leaders can work to support and maintain the newly implemented system. This discussion post elucidates the importance of post-implementation metrics and reviews how PIE contributes to the success of healthcare projects.
Post-implementation metrics assess if the objectives of the project are met. Evaluations are done two to three weeks after the go-live date and subsequent reviews after every two to three months. These metric findings reveal if the vendor products as functioning as initially predicted and in a way that favors future operational demand (Pantaleon, 2019). It also highlights if any alterations are needed for the vendor deliverables to offer maximum benefits.
Importantly, post-implementation metrics also inform the senior management on the success of the project in regards to quality, benefits, and schedules (Pantaleon, 2019). For the new venture to be considered a success, it must provide better outcomes and maximum benefits than the old system. The comparison of results in the two systems is a measure of progress in organizational performance.
PIE measures the satisfaction levels of involved parties, that is, the healthcare organization and vendor. Metrics assess the level of contentment at the management, staff, patient, and vendor level to identify existing issues and how they can be addressed (Clarke et al., 2019).
For instance, if the project involved installing a new interface design, the review should provide insight into whether the management finds it cost-effective and beneficial as predicted. It should also reveal if the staff are more productive since installing the new system and or if they require supplementary training. A post-implementation review should also illustrate if the patient and vendor are content with the new system’s products and benefits. If key participants are discontented, appropriate curative measures should be employed (Clarke et al., 2019). Notably, satisfaction testing facilitates the engagement of stakeholders and strengthens the initiatives governing the organization.
Post-implementation metrics highlight deficiencies, risks, and issues that need to be addressed. A project may not provide the intended benefits, and PIE findings help inform how to resolve these letdowns (Wager et al., 2017). The diagnostic nature of post-implementation metrics aids in the identification of factors that hamper the realization of a project goal. For example, suppose the objective was to reduce response time, and little or no improvement has been made. In that case, PIE findings reveal the organizational and behavioral issues that hampered the achievement of this goal. Post-implementation metrics also review the risks that threaten patient safety and the project’s success (Wager et al., 2017). They also detect unresolved vendor problems, interoperability deficiencies, and workflow issues that may derail project success.
Evaluation after project implementation is also instrumental in the identification of areas for improvement. Several changes are required when running a project, such as system updates and reinstallation, redesigning workflow processes, and reorientating staff (Geerligs et al., 2018). Post-assessment informs the board on modifications needed and mistakes to avoid when implementing these changes (Wager et al., 2017). Project and reinvention programs are vital components of the healthcare system. They contribute to the improvement of an organization in terms of services and outcomes. Post-implementation assessment is crucial in safeguarding these projects’ success and ensuring that organizations achieve their intended advancement.
References
Clarke, G. M., Conti, S., Wolters, A. T., & Steventon, A. (2019). Evaluating the impact of healthcare interventions using routine data. BMJ, 365(4), l2239. Web.
Geerligs, L., Rankin, N. M., Shepherd, H. L., & Butow, P. (2018). Hospital-based interventions: A systematic review of staff-reported barriers and facilitators to implementation processes. Implementation Science, 13(1). Web.
Pantaleon, L. (2019). Why measuring outcomes is important in health care. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(2), 356–362. Web.
Wager, K. A., Frances Wickham Lee, & Glaser, J. P. (2017). Health care information systems: a practical approach for health care management (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.