It is critically important for health systems to implement new IT systems properly, since poor implementations can have a significant negative financial impact. By conducting implementations the right way, health systems position themselves to gain the most benefits from the technology and achieve the best possible financial performance.
Of course, implementations are often challenging, as evidenced by recent congressional inquiries into the difficulties encountered during some health systems’ implementations. But implementations need not be an exceptional burden. Lessons learned from previous implementations can help health system leaders ensure that future implementations proceed more smoothly and at lower cost.
This white paper looks at one health system’s poor implementation and the effect on its finances. Highlighting the lessons drawn from this experience, we offer healthcare leaders guidance on how to prepare for and undertake a successful IT implementation in their own health system.