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Is the organization ready to install a new clinical system?

A solid understanding of existing legacy systems implemented in the RHC is necessary prior to the installation of a new system. Sometimes the best solution may be an upgrade or rebuild instead of starting from scratch.  Also, RHCs should work to understand the regulatory environment.  The policy implications of adopting health IT at the Federal and State level require continual surveillance on new legislative developments or requirements regarding health IT adoption.

After deciding to implement a new clinical system, key stakeholders should be included in the planning process from the beginning to promote a collaborative implementation environment, rather than an adversarial one.  The evaluation forms below include some suggestions for factors to consider that may not otherwise be addressed until later in the implementation process.  Be sure to be thorough in planning the project, as "hidden" costs, such as staffing and productivity lost to training staff, can be as significant as capital costs for the technology. Organizational and staff readiness for health IT implementation is further examined in module two of the Health IT Adoption Toolbox.

Resources for Ambulatory Settings:

• National Rural Health Resource Center
• EMR Partner Readiness Assessment Leadership Interview Questions - OCHIN (Word - 73KB)
• Office Staff and Provider Survey - EMR Readiness Assessment - OCHIN (Word - 123KB)
•  Readiness Assessment Tool
• Assessing organizational strengths and capabilities - CCI (Excel - 216KB)
• EHR Selection Guidelines for Health Centers - HRSA

Resources for Inpatient Settings (i.e., Critical Access Hospitals):

• Lessons Learned from Electronic Health Record Implementation at Three North Dakota Critical Access Hospitals - North Dakota Center for Rural Health (PDF - 51KB)
• Evaluation of the Flexibility Critical Access Hospital Health Information Technology Network Implementation Program - HRSA