White Papers

By Joseph L. Marion, Principal, Healthcare Integration Strategies, LLC

In a previous discussion, we explored the composition of a Cardiovascular RFP. An RFP for cardiovascular information systems can be more complex than for other Picture Archive and Communications Systems (PACS) or information systems, in that cardiovascular services involve more than just imaging. Wave forms and procedure documentation are examples of additional relevant data that must be managed in addition to images. Physician reporting is also more complicated in that it is typically done with structured reporting templates instead of by dictation.

When faced with planning and implementing an enterprise-wide emergency response strategy, many organizations address the problem by implementing several independent solutions.

While this approach can be reasonably effective it can also result in disjointed communications and disparate systems deployment that can prove problematic from a complete emergency management perspective.

Your road to a successful EMR implementation requires careful planning and execution of many events over many months (or years). One of the most important set of events early on, is the development of eight key strategies. They include:

• Software Rollout
• Site Rollout
• Communication
• Hardware
• Change Leadership/Go-Live Readiness
• Scanning and Data Pre-Population
• Training
• Support

For your EMR drive, consider this illustration. Your goals/objectives are the hub, your strategies are the spokes that provide the stability, and your plans/ programs are the tires that smooth the ride. While the road at times can be bumpy, with well-defined strategies supporting your goals and driving your plans, you’ll have sound wheels that will ease your journey and increase your chances of successfully arriving at your destination.

The Cancer Commissioning Guidance highlights aspects of World Class Commissioning Assurance Framework including organisational competencies for cancer commissioning. It also sets out key issues and questions that commissioners/network teams should consider when assessing health needs; reviewing services; developing contract service specifications; and monitoring performance.

Beacon Partners was commissioned by Agfa HealthCare (Agfa) and underwritten by a grant from the EMC Corporation to evaluate the Agfa IMPAX® Data Center™ solution integrated with an EMC Information Infrastructure and its direct correlation to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) incentives. In this white paper, we will present our findings of the solution’s ability to assist healthcare organizations in achieving meaningful use, thus taking advantage of economic incentives available.