Application Implementation and Clinical Process Redesign

Application Implementation

To best meet the goals of the stimulus plan, the successful implementation of advanced clinical software applications provides a strong platform for an Electronic Health Record (EHR) program. An effective EHR system allows physicians, pharmacists, home care, and other providers both within the care facility and beyond to securely share relevant patient information. In addition, error-checking systems such as computerized physician order entry and bedside medication verification functionality enhances patient safety by increasing accuracy and minimizing the chance for medical errors.

To best leverage the value of your existing (and future) applications, you need proven resources to address the key components of a successful implementation, such as:

• Alignment of your clinical and business processes
• Application set-up
• Testing
• Training
• Go-Live and post Go-Live support.

Clinical Process Redesign

To enable every American to have an Electronic Health Record by 2014—the goal established in the national stimulus package—there must be efficient clinical workflows throughout the entire healthcare delivery process. Process redesign is a strategic initiative to improve the quality, cost, and safety of patient care by phasing out manual processes for greater accuracy and higher performance.An effective approach focuses new technologies and improved processes on clinical content, system functionality, and data-sharing to ensure your information management investment is delivering the highest possible value. Factors such as building and maintaining consistent standards across departments, facilities, and the care network are important components of seamless workflow operations and can help you move towards a consolidated Electronic Health Record environment.

Redesigning your clinical processes can not only help realize substantial improvements in patient care, but can also help you enhance operations and fiscal performance. The key benefits of successful process redesign include:

• Risk Reduction: Minimize liability issues associated with poorly designed workflows and inconsistent record-sharing
• Increased Satisfaction: Cut non-productive and redundant workflow processes to increase clinician and patient satisfaction
• Enhanced Accuracy: Optimize processes and recordkeeping to reduce variations and wasted effort
• Standardized Content: Clinical data is captured, stored, and standardized at the point of entry for better long-term reporting, greater efficiency, and more reliable outcomes trending

Dell Perot Systems has vast experience in healthcare information management services and solutions. To find out how the 2009 economic stimulus package can start benefiting your organization, call our Healthcare Stimulus Program Information Center, toll-free at: 866.665.1241, or send an e-mail to: healthcare@ps.net