Management Plan for Implementing and Maintaining an EHR System
Setting up an EHR or comprehensive patient informatics system is not a one-time event. A person or a team of people must oversee bringing new employees up to speed, maintaining the competence of existing employees, and making the necessary continuous changes to the system. It is a very dynamic process.
In this assignment, you are the head of a team implementing a new EHR system. Using each of the items below as a header, describe how you would resolve issues in that area.
The Role of the Manager Implementing a New System
In this section of the paper, address the following issues related to implementing a new EHR system:
• How the software selection process works
• What contract negotiations should involve
• The role of the IT manager in the department
• The role of a Strategic Planner in the process
• How the system will be financed
Ongoing Maintenance and Upgrades to System
In this section of the paper, address the following issues that occur after the EHR system is up and running:
• How will necessary changes be made after the new system is up and running?
• What upgrades and new modules do you anticipate will be needed as part of ongoing system maintenance?
• How will the facility handle suggestions by staff who use the system?
• How will the facility train new employees and provide ongoing training for existing staff?
Use high-quality peer-reviewed literature to support each section and remember to include in-text citations. Write in third person only. Your paper should be a minimum of two pages of content, plus a reference page in APA format (not just pasted URLs).
Writing Mechanics
• Use a 12-point font and double-spaced text.
• Follow APA writing guidelines.
• Proofread and correct all errors in capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and spelling
Management Plan for Implementing and Maintaining an EHR System
Your name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
May 23, 2023
Implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is a dynamic process that requires careful planning and management. This essay outlines strategies and approaches to resolving various issues associated with the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the system.
Resolving Issues
The software selection process is crucial for successful EHR implementation. The manager should evaluate vendors based on system functionality, interoperability, security measures, user-friendliness, and cost. Engaging key stakeholders in decision-making helps gather diverse perspectives and promote system acceptance. Contract negotiations are vital to secure favorable terms. Collaboration with legal and procurement teams ensures that the contract includes provisions for system customization, technical support, updates, and data protection.
The IT manager plays a pivotal role in coordinating the technical aspects of the system. They effectively manage hardware infrastructure, network configuration, data migration, and system integration. Collaboration with clinical staff helps understand workflow requirements and ensures seamless integration of the EHR system (Shapiro et al., 2023). The strategic planner aligns the EHR system with the organization's long-term goals, assessing its impact on workflow, quality of care, and patient outcomes. They formulate strategies to overcome challenges and ensure system support for organizational growth and sustainability.
However, while coordinating the technical aspects of the system is essential, considering financing options is also crucial. This may involve securing funds from the organization's budget, applying for grants or incentives, or exploring partnerships. A financial plan should account for initial setup costs, ongoing maintenance, and future system upgrades (Balis et al., 2022).
For ongoing maintenance and upgrades, a change management process should be established. A multidisciplinary committee can review and prioritize change requests, assess feasibility and impact, and implement changes systematically to minimize disruptions. Regular upgrades and new module implemen...