Choosing the appropriate EMR (electronic medical record) vendor is essential to a successful transition from paper records to electronic medical records. Many factors must be weighed in this selection process.
One method to help hospitals and practices make this complex decision is to complete a cost-benefit analysis. Entire books have been written on how to conduct cost-benefit analysis and an in-depth analysis goes well beyond the scope of this paper. Instead, this discussion will focus on how cost-benefit analysis can help to determine an appropriate EMR vendor.
In a cost-benefit analysis the organization identifies what functions and EMR must contain; as well as functions the organization would like it to include. Then each function is …show more content…
An RFI is an informal communication in which the target vendor may respond with its general marketing materials, product features, or services listings. An RFI may be useful in determining what products are commonly available among vendors or learning about the history/longevity of a specific vendor. This method is can be executed quickly with little preparation on the part of the soliciting organization.
A request for proposal (RFP) on the other hand, involves a considerable investment of time and preparation for an organization. With an RFP, a soliciting organization prepares a very detailed list of the functions and features they what the EMR to possess. As well as a description of the organization’s purpose, goals, values, and technical infrastructure. The RFP may also include a request for more information from the vendor regarding its financial stability, client lists, and contact information for other organizations willing to give candid reviews of the vendor’s …show more content…
First, the organization needs to clearly identify what the purpose of providing a PHR to patients. If patients are to find the PHR useful, it must fulfill a need. Next, the organization needs to determine what information will be made available to patients. Finally, an organization must ensure that the chosen system (and by extension, the systems vendor) is compliant with all applicable local and federal regulations.
Two such companies providing PHR solutions are General Electric’s (GE), Patient Online 13 and Microsoft’s, HealthVault (Vecchione, 2012).
Some qualities any selected PHR should possess include:
• Security: information should be encrypted point to point and require trusted user authentication methods. This will not only comply with regulations but also allow patients a greater level of trust.
• Usability: The PHR must be intuitive and easy to use, as many patients may not have the technological skills to navigate complex PHR systems.
• Expandability: future proofing investments in technology will ensure that cost can be kept to a minimum when it comes time to upgrade to the next technology standard (remember
One method to help hospitals and practices make this complex decision is to complete a cost-benefit analysis. Entire books have been written on how to conduct cost-benefit analysis and an in-depth analysis goes well beyond the scope of this paper. Instead, this discussion will focus on how cost-benefit analysis can help to determine an appropriate EMR vendor.
In a cost-benefit analysis the organization identifies what functions and EMR must contain; as well as functions the organization would like it to include. Then each function is …show more content…
An RFI is an informal communication in which the target vendor may respond with its general marketing materials, product features, or services listings. An RFI may be useful in determining what products are commonly available among vendors or learning about the history/longevity of a specific vendor. This method is can be executed quickly with little preparation on the part of the soliciting organization.
A request for proposal (RFP) on the other hand, involves a considerable investment of time and preparation for an organization. With an RFP, a soliciting organization prepares a very detailed list of the functions and features they what the EMR to possess. As well as a description of the organization’s purpose, goals, values, and technical infrastructure. The RFP may also include a request for more information from the vendor regarding its financial stability, client lists, and contact information for other organizations willing to give candid reviews of the vendor’s …show more content…
First, the organization needs to clearly identify what the purpose of providing a PHR to patients. If patients are to find the PHR useful, it must fulfill a need. Next, the organization needs to determine what information will be made available to patients. Finally, an organization must ensure that the chosen system (and by extension, the systems vendor) is compliant with all applicable local and federal regulations.
Two such companies providing PHR solutions are General Electric’s (GE), Patient Online 13 and Microsoft’s, HealthVault (Vecchione, 2012).
Some qualities any selected PHR should possess include:
• Security: information should be encrypted point to point and require trusted user authentication methods. This will not only comply with regulations but also allow patients a greater level of trust.
• Usability: The PHR must be intuitive and easy to use, as many patients may not have the technological skills to navigate complex PHR systems.
• Expandability: future proofing investments in technology will ensure that cost can be kept to a minimum when it comes time to upgrade to the next technology standard (remember