Question

Your organization has decided to implement the EHR system, and you have been appointed as a member of the steering committee.

Discuss the role of the steering committee in EHR implementation.

note: Please write by computer form.

Answer 1

           Implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) in an organization is most challenging & daunting task, because both the administrative and the clinical personnel involved might view this change merely as an Informational Technology (IT) project. Therefore Successful implementation of the EHR mandates the formation of a steering committee with all the executives from the key areas being impacted by the project, which includes chief operating, financial, medical, nursing, information and human resources officers

Following are the major roles of a Steering committee in EHR implementation;

1. Develop a strategic plan which incorporates technology as a tool to achieve the overall organizational goal and focus on improving the quality of care. Also function as governing body for budgetary, resource allocation & planning related to EHR implementation.
2. Analyze and review the organizational structure and frame work ; thereby to find the factors within the organization that facilitate the governance, management, operation and maintenance of EHR
3. Building an effective support structure to formulate a project plan under the operations team,, which addresses various queries relevant to the implementation of the EHR like the existing governance model of the organization, capacity for change, work culture prevailing, special needs particular to the organization and political landscape and finally how to manage the risk associated with the change.
4. Redesign the existing work flow process and involve technology in it
5. Schedule the timeline for implementation of EHR and fix the target to be achieved
6. Broadcast the importance of EHR in achieving the organizational goal. communicate the message and create a sense of urgency for change
7. Initiate culture change, by involving the individuals within the system rather than just implementing the process.
8. Plan for Training and ongoing support to the personnel throughout the process
9. Function as an advisory committee on various legal and privacy issues that could occur by EHR implementation.
10. Key decisions are made only by the steering committee
11. Conduct periodic meetings to evaluate the progress of EHR implementation in the organization.
12. Facilitate the formation of sub committees with second key leadership team, usually representing physician, nursing, administration and IT for effective governance.
13. Oversees on the process of implementation of EHR and ongoing enhancements that takes place after implementation.
14. Managing priorities, timelines and maintaining standardization across the organization becomes the post implementation role of the committee.