Vendor Selection Criteria: Planning and Implementation Approach

The first step in selecting a right vendor that will ensure a successful EMR implementation is to ensure a very thought out plan for the entire circle of the project and this plan will drive vendor selection approach and all the other key project decisions. In developing this plan, the project team need to consider a systematic framework that address the following factors (Nambisan, Kreps & Polit, 2013).

Having a solid project plan is the master key to a successful health information technology project. The following are useful tips to guide a health IT project of any size:

• Designate one person as project lead or coordinator.
• Define clear objectives and timelines for the project.
• Create an action plan with start and end dates for each step in the plan.
• Ensure that a system for providing feedback (whether positive or negative) is set in place. Deviations from the project plan should be addressed.
• Formulate a good problem-solving approach for any problems or set-backs that may arise during the project.
• Prepare evaluation assessment criteria to assess the project for improvements as it approaches completion.

Micro Level (Individual) Factors

Key issues at this level will include:

• The key stakeholders
• The user interfacing and friendliness
• loss of productivity considerations (Phased vs. Big Bang approach)
• Computer skill level of the the category of users?