Implementing the practice management system or EHR, which are basically healthcare software solutions is not an easy task but at the same time not an impossible task too. What is required is to have a clear roadmap drawn out so that one can follow the steps and know exactly how to successfully implement this type of healthcare industry software.
Planning: The first phase for successful implementation of healthcare software application is the planning stage because this is the most time consuming and extensive phase of the complete implementation process. This phase offers the perfect opportunity to create the roadmap for the complete process that may include workflow analysis, conversion of data, redesigning new workflows, methods of documentation, software and hardware testing, staff training, security rights etc.
Spreading the word:
It is important that everyone within the medical facility is aware about the implementation of this type of healthcare management software. The staff needs to be appropriately communicated about the shift in technology and they also need to be provided with the right kind of training. Appointing an in-house manager who would possess a good working knowledge about this type of medical software is important. It is important that the in-house manager imparts the training about the practice management system to the concerned staff that would be operating the system on daily basis.
Testing of software and hardware:
The third stage is conducting a thorough testing of both the software as well as the hardware. It is always beneficial that the medical practice consults the healthcare consulting team for the testing procedure. Since outsourced healthcare software companies provide the solutions, it therefore becomes apt that they help the medical practice conduct the complete testing procedure too. Extensive testing of the software is require before implementation and for this proper set-up of a test database needs to be done. The end-users can test their specific functionalities on this test database and see what kind of errors it pulls up. The hardware testing of healthcare industry software is much more extensive and therefore healthcare software application team is required to ensure that everything is in place.
Healthcare software going live: It is important that a certain date is fixed for the healthcare management software to go live. Ideally, the healthcare software should go live as soon as the staff finishes its training on test software. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that learning the practice management software is not an easy task therefore it is important that the number of patients is minimized during the go-live phase. There are many practices that minimize schedules by almost 50% for one or two weeks.
Post Go-Live Phase: An assessment is required in the post-go live phase so that one can determine if successful implementation of this healthcare software application has taken place. It is imperative that the medical practice administrators assess the performance by monitoring productivity, re-evaluating workflows and measuring patient cycle times.
Overall, the success of implementing this type of healthcare software solutions is completely dependent on the extent to which the medical practice is willing to follow a series of steps that my sound extensive but guarantee successful running of the healthcare software in the long run.
