Vendor Selection Criteria
Choosing an electronic medical record (EMR) vendor is an important task, with many aspects to consider. An EMR can completely redesign a hospital's practice, but can also optimize it in ways a paper-based system could not. With over 400 EMR vendors in the market, selecting the best option could be overwhelming. After clearly defining the needs of the company, the next step is to evaluate which vendors more closely match your list of priorities.[1]
Here is a list of some of the important considerations when choosing, installing, implementing and upgrading an EMR system. [2]
Contents
Core clinical features
Vendor Selection Criteria: Core clinical features
Core clinical functionalities include a not only medication lists, allergy lists, order sets, and lab ordering, but also can include a fully integrated pharmacy/medication management interface.
IT and technical requirements
Vendor Selection Criteria: IT and technical requirements
Usability
Vendor Selection Criteria: Usability
Previous studies demonstrated how usability measurements can be applied to the evaluation of EHR systems; however, most of these studies were conducted post implementation. If significant problems have been discovered with usability, at this point in the system development life cycle it is usually too late to make any major modifications to the EHR system. Therefore, it is important to consider the usability criteria in early stages of the EHR implementation, and particularly during the process of vendor and product selection. [3]
Future relationship with vendor
Vendor Selection Criteria: Future relationship with vendor
Purchasing an EMR is a long-term decision with many hidden costs to consider.
Certification and meaningful use
Vendor Selection Criteria: Certification and meaningful use
Selecting an EMR is like buying a house where it needs thorough inspection/evaluation and making sure that every component is functional and meeting all the related requirements prior to approval and signing of contract.
Vendor assessment
Vendor Selection Criteria: Vendor assessment
Go live support
Vendor Selection Criteria: Go live support
Evaluation post implementation
Vendor Selection Criteria: Evaluation post implementation
References
- ↑ Selecting the right EMR vendor. http://www.himss.org/files/HIMSSorg/content/files/selectingemr_flyer2.pdf
- ↑ What factors should I consider when selecting a vendor? http://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/what-factors-should-i-consider-when-selecting-vendor
- ↑ I. Saiku. Including usability in the procurement process of healthcare IT Systems. <http://www.soberit.hut.fi/T-121/shared/thesis/di-Inkeri-Saiku.pdf