Planning a Successful EMR Project Management Strategy, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The application of project management principles to implement an electronic medical records system known as EMR SYSTEM is instrumental in determining what steps are required to facilitate an effective response and an opportunity to examine the different aspects of how the system will be most successful within the current organizational structure. It is necessary to evaluate the conditions under which employees able to contribute and perform at a high level and to be effective as they move forward with the chosen system. System integration needs must be determined by the overall development and focus on growth and change, along with a means of understanding what is required to fully implement a new system with the resources that are available. Cost efficiency must be considered, along with other factors that impact the overall development and framework of the chosen strategy.

Body

The creation of the EMR System requires a high level of focus and a connection to the process that will positively impact the organization and its key stakeholders. The system must be capable of managing a new system by using the resources that are present, along with the recruitment of expertise in the field to implement the system without difficulty. A knowledgeable and successful team leader must be in place who will serve as a catalyst for this project and provide expertise and guidance in moving forward with the chosen strategy as efficiently as possible (Guerrero, 2012). The leader must be able to direct all facets of the project and demonstrate his or her skills at this level and in supporting a high level of cohesiveness to support the system implementation as seamlessly as possible.

A successful integration will also reflect a high degree of support and knowledge for the organization’s overall strengths and abilities in promoting successful change and progress at the highest possible level. There must be a greater focus on creating an environment where change is necessary and also poignant for the organization as it moves forward to create new ideas and challenges for successful results. At this level, all equipment must be appropriate and must match the specifications required for the system in order to achieve the desired results during implementation; therefore, server and hardware requirements must be thoroughly evaluated so that they are able to handle the system’s capacity effectively (Guerrero, 2012). All technical capabilities must be evaluated well in advance of implementation in order to promote a smoother transition for the project and to maximize the role of the leadership team in making the transition smooth for employees (Guerrero, 2012).

One of the critical needs of the implementation process is patience, as all persons involved in this process must be able to exercise a degree of patience that will carry them through to the next level (HRSA, 2015). This reflects the importance of a sound leadership and management team to make a difference in supporting the organization and its level of preparedness for this type of process and to determine what is missing to ensure that all employees are effectively prepared to manage the transition as smoothly as possible (HRSA, 2015). The leadership team must demonstrate focus, motivation, and commitment to the project at all levels in order to make sense of the project specifications and other requirements that will impact the overall development and growth of the project as it moves forward (HRSA, 2015).

Another skill that is required for a successful implementation is communication, as this must be supported by a framework whereby leaders and employees openly share ideas and reflect upon the needs of the project, one step at a time (HRSA, 2015). This process is instrumental because it reflects a greater focus on how employees will respond to the system and to determine how their own ability to adjust to the project implementation will play a positive role as it moves forward. This is not a simple task to achieve and requires an organization to examine its core strengths and abilities to successfully make a difference in how employees respond to the change so that it is able to be successful. Communication is likely to ease this transition to some degree and to enable employees to share their ideas and any frustrations that they might have regarding the implementation.

The project must also reflect a greater focus on developing a supportive and cohesive learning climate within the organization. This is an important step in the discovery of new ideas and approaches to manage the process and to determine what steps are required to achieve a supportive and meaningful environment to enhance the system implementation as best as possible. A successful transition to the EMR system requires the organization as a whole to set aside any reservations that exist and to take the steps that are required to facilitate a successful transition through the efforts that are made. Employees and leaders must have a shared vision and support an environment where change is possible and is encouraged by the group as it moves forward with the process.

Conclusion

An EMR implementation requires many skills and resources in order to effectively promote opportunities for growth that will facilitate change and progress, while also demonstrating an organization’s ability to be successful with the change and how it will impact overall outcomes. This process requires an organized and communicative response from the leadership team and an ability to reflect upon the needs of the patient population so as not to disrupt quality of care. Project managers must be aware of the issues and aim to be as proactive as possible in order to achieve a smooth transition that will have a lasting and meaningful impact on the organization as a whole.

References

Guerrero, A. (2012). Planning a successful EMR project management strategy. Retrieved from http://www.meaningfulusenetwork.com/planning-a-successful-emr-project-management-strategy/

Health Resources and Services Administration (2015). What skills are needed to implement and support an EHR system? Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/RuralHealthITtoolbox/Project/skillsehr.html