1. Selecting a Health Care
Information System

2. Some Thoughts
The competitive advantages associated with health information systems are contingent upon:
The technology
The degree to which technology meets the organization’s needs
The strength of the information services staff
the speed and method by which the system is implemented 2

3. Some Thoughts There is no “right” choice
The best place to start when selecting a healthcare information system is with the strategic plan because it sets goals and determines technology needs.
Strategic planing is the development of a comprehensive long range plan for guiding the activities and operations of an organization. It includes defininf mission, goals, developing strategies and setting policy guidelines 3

4. Life Cycle
The process for the selection and implementation of an information
Ongoing process of developing and maintaining an information system
Four main phases that cover the life span of information systems 4

5. Life Cycle Phases Needs assessment System selection Implementation
Maintenance
As needs change an organization may find it necessary to upgrade information system periodically 5

6. FIGURE 8–1 The life cycle of an information system6

7. Needs Assessment Initiated by someone with a vision of the future
Analyzes the organization’s needs
Consider the strategic plan
Identifies deficits and issues
The selection committee uses data to generate a list of possible solutions 7

8. Needs Assessment
The decision making should involve a committee the include
Clinical users
Information system specialists
Administrative and executive board rep
Decision of whether :
Minor modificiabtion to the current system
Major modification
Purchase of new system

9. Steering Committee Members
Key to process
Membership
Board members (ensure congruence with organizational strategic plan)
Representatives from all departments affected (decrease possibility of missing potential problems)
Must include end users
Chair should be a member of administration 9

10. Steering Committee Structure
Large enough to make a good decision but small enough to be effective and efficient
Who will make the final decisions?
Multilevel committee
Upper level makes final decisions
Lower level makes recommendations
May be given to certain department, shared between department or shared equally among the members 10

11. Committee Considerations
Steering Committee members must receive release time from other responsibilities
Want users with functional expertise, good communication, and ideally a computing background
May use input from consultants 11

12. Consultants The committee decides whether a consultant should be used
May be used for any part of the selection or implementation processes
Effective use requires clear definition of the contractual relationship and expected outcomes
May be used to analyze all available information and make recommendations
Consultants may be used for planning testing security policy and procedure development 12

13. Analysis of Current System
Thorough understanding is essential
Must determine what information is used, who uses it, and how it is used
May use questionnaires, observation, and interviews
Must weigh strengths and weaknesses 13

14. Analysis of Current System
After reviewing the current system the committee needs to determine
What info should be kept
Whether there is a redundant info
Info that are unnecessary 14

15. Questions?