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How do I set up my project team?

The first step to directing a successful implementation successfully is to have the right group of management staff to support the project. Identifying a project manager is critical. The project manager should be well versed in health IT implementation and preferably have managed other similar projects. In addition, the project should have strong leadership and organizational skills.

Because of the complex nature of health care, any successful effort to implement software to assist in care delivery must involve the engagement of clinical leadership and the clinicians who will ultimately use the system. Thus, finding a clinician champion is an important component that must be addressed in the initial phases of implementation.

In addition to building buy-in, some clinicians must have a dedicated portion of time away from clinical responsibilities in order to play a management role and ensure that all components of the plan are successfully developed and implemented. While clinician involvement is important, the successful project team will also include leadership from the operational and business side of your organization, as well as seasoned health IT staff to ensure that requirements and plans are developed in a technically and fiscally feasible manner. The series of resources below will be helpful in understanding factors for success in selecting a project manager and overall team.

Resources on building a project team:

• Establish the EHR Team - Developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, this resource lists four key project team roles. (2010)
• EHR Implementation Team (PDF - 99KB) - Developed by DOQ-IT, this resource summarizes key roles for a health IT implementation team.
• Key HIT Staff Roles (XLS - 59KB) - Developed by DOQ-IT and IPRO, this tool delineates roles of key staff associated with the HIT implementation project.