Implementing the Right Point-of-Care Technology
Healthcare information technology is experiencing a sweeping transformation. Its output has been unparalleled innovation in systems designed to make healthcare safer, more efficient and more comprehensive. Despite the advances in software, the process of implementing and outfitting these systems has advanced little, to the detriment of everyone from caregivers to IT teams. The full potential of these new technologies to increase safety and save time can be hindered when implementation is not well planned. Every new IT project taken on, whether during a new build, a renovation or an IT upgrade, is an opportunity to enhance caregiver performance and avoid the pitfalls of interruptions in workflow and in care. Basing implementation and outfitting choices solely on which manufacturer can provide the lowest cost does not necessarily indicate the long-term value of the equipment from the vendor partner you choose. Organizations should consider a complete analysis of manufacturer capabilities, including workflow integration, product adaptability, lifecycle and the quality of the product’s design, in order to make a decision.
When beginning the process of selecting point- of-care technology, the first decision should be to choose a manufacturer partner that shares your organization’s vision and commitment to care.
As with any product, researching its manufacturer is a way to begin evaluating the quality of their products, their reliability and your prospective partnership with them. Before vendor selection is made, it is important to investigate how manufacturers will handle selection, implementation, training and long-term support. The manufacturer’s products should also balance patient care requirements, budget and maintenance. In particular, it is essential to consider a partner that has a robust maintenance program in place that will not detract from internal resources, such as IT. A manufacturer who is a leader in the industry will understand the need for a dependable partner that shares a common vision, and will ensure that the entire process—from choosing the products to servicing them to adapting them during their life cycle as technology changes to ultimately replacing them when their useful life is complete—is seamless and will not interrupt patient care. Narrowing the selection of manufacturer partners to industry leaders is a proactive step to saving time and money over the life of a product.
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http://www.humanscale.com/userfiles/file/finding_the_value_032513-digital.pdf