Feasibility Study On Implementing An Electronic Health Recor ✓ Solved

Feasibility Study on Implementing an Electronic Health Record System

Determine the feasibility of implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in a healthcare facility to improve the quality of healthcare delivery among patients with various health issues. The assessment should include an analysis of the technical, economic, legal, and marketing aspects, supported by relevant resources, theories, and case studies, and conclude with recommendations based on your analysis.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the contemporary healthcare environment, technological advancements have revolutionized how health services are delivered, managed, and documented. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have become pivotal in enhancing healthcare quality, efficiency, and patient engagement. As health administrators seeking to improve healthcare outcomes, evaluating the feasibility of implementing an EHR system is essential. This paper presents an analysis of the feasibility of adopting an EHR system in a healthcare facility, considering technical, economic, legal, and marketing perspectives.

Feasibility Assessment Rationale

The primary rationale for this feasibility study stems from the potential of EHR systems to transform healthcare delivery. An effective EHR can facilitate better patient care, improve communication among healthcare providers, and support data-driven decision-making. Additionally, considering the increasing enrollment in health insurance and the assimilated demand for efficient service delivery, the deployment of an EHR aligns with strategic organizational goals. According to Lee (2015), EHRs can improve healthcare outcomes by increasing patient access to medical information, facilitating timely alerts and reminders, and enabling better care coordination.

Scope of the Feasibility Study

The scope centers on evaluating the technical, economic, legal, and marketing aspects involved in adopting an EHR system. Specifically, the study aims to determine whether the healthcare facility has the technological capacity to support EHR implementation, assess financial implications and sustainability, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards, and explore marketing strategies to maximize adoption and utilization.

Objectives of the Feasibility Study

  • Assess the technical readiness for EHR implementation, including infrastructure and staff competence.
  • Evaluate the financial costs, funding sources, and return on investment.
  • Ensure compliance with legal requirements such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Develop marketing strategies to promote EHR adoption among staff and patients.

Methodology

Adopting a structured approach based on the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the study involves several phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. During planning and analysis, current system limitations and organizational needs will be identified. In the design phase, alternative EHR systems will be evaluated considering features and costs. The implementation phase involves stakeholder engagement and staff training, while ongoing support and evaluation will ensure system effectiveness and continuous improvement. Rohr (2012) emphasizes that involving stakeholders during the implementation phase reduces resistance and ensures the system aligns with organizational goals.

Time and Resource Considerations

The implementation of an EHR system requires substantial investment in infrastructure, software, staff training, and ongoing maintenance. According to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. government provided incentives to healthcare facilities adopting health IT, facilitating resource allocation (National Learning Consortium, 2013). The initial costs can be offset over time through improved efficiencies, reduced paperwork, and enhanced patient safety.

SWOT Analysis

  • Strengths: Improvement in patient care quality, better data management, increased patient engagement.
  • Weaknesses: High initial costs, staff resistance, ongoing maintenance expenses.
  • Opportunities: Enhanced healthcare delivery, compliance with regulations, market competitiveness.
  • Threats: Privacy and data security risks, legal liabilities in case of breaches, technological obsolescence.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Implementing an EHR system necessitates compliance with legal standards such as HIPAA, which safeguards patient privacy and data security. Custer (2013) highlights that navigating the legal landscape requires adherence to privacy provisions and obtaining necessary patient consents. Regular audits and staff training are integral to maintaining compliance and reducing legal risks.

Marketing Strategies

Post-implementation, marketing efforts should focus on educating staff and patients about the benefits of EHRs. Digital marketing channels like social media and the organization’s website can be used to highlight features like improved access, convenience, and safety of health data. Building patient trust through transparent communication about data privacy measures enhances adoption and utilization (The Access Project, 2001).

Conclusion and Recommendations

The feasibility analysis indicates that, despite high initial costs and potential privacy concerns, implementing an EHR system is viable and advantageous for improving healthcare delivery. Proper planning, stakeholder engagement, staff training, and adherence to legal standards are critical success factors. Based on this assessment, the organization should proceed with phased implementation, continuous evaluation, and ongoing staff education to realize the benefits of EHR adoption.

References

  • Custer, W. S. (2013). Consumer choice in health insurance. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 67(4), 25-27.
  • Fottler, M. D., & Lanning, J. A. (1986). A comprehensive incentive approach to employee health care cost containment. California Management Review, 29(1), 75-94.
  • Hayes, T. O. (2015). Are electronic medical records worth the costs of implementation?
  • Lee, R. H. (2015). Economics for health care managers (3rd ed.). Chicago: Health Care Administration Press.
  • Mango, P. D., & Riefberg, V. E. (2009). Three imperatives for improving US health care. McKinsey Quarterly, (2), 40-44.
  • National Learning Consortium. (2013). Continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies to optimize your practice. Retrieved from Health IT sources.
  • Rohr, R. (2012). Cost control: The new frontier of medical management. Physician Executive, 38(4), 82-83.
  • The Access Project. (2001). A community leader’s guide to hospital finance: Evaluating how a hospital gets and spends its money. Retrieved from external sources.
  • Wager, K. A., Lee, F. W., & Glaser, J. P. (2013). Health care information systems: A practical approach for health care management (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

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