Question

Why is careful planning so important to HMIS implementation?11–3.With respect to HMIS staffing, what are some of the major concerns for HMIS planners?11–4.Describe some useful tools in HMIS implementation project management.11–5.Why is end-user involvement important in HMIS implementation? How can end-usersbe more involved in the process?11–6.What are the key concepts underlying IT services management? Why are these variousconcepts important, and how do these relate to the HMIS post-implementation stage?

Answer 1

ANSWER 1)The implementation of health management and information system is greatest challenge for the IT sector in every organization. The healthcare industry deals with numerous volume of information which has to be accurately analyzed, collected, managed and stored for further references. It may contain information pertaining to health and health related programs within the organization and outside. The data collected is highly confidential and has a risk of being misused by other. Any breech in the implementation of HMIS may result in legal implications.Therefore careful planning of its implementation is crucial. HMIS prevents the loses and leakage of medical material, medicines and unnecessary process in healthcare institution. HMIS is implemented in the hospital setting but also in district and rural health centers.

ANSWER 2) The HMIS implementation plan should incorporate staffing strategies so that arrangements can be made in advance to hire necessary staffs and to plan for needed training. This is because the lack of skilled personnels will slow the process of HMIS implementation and will result in undue pressure on the existing staffs The management of health service organization should establish clear reward policies to retain the experienced staff members.The organization can use dual career path or professional stage model in order to reward such staffs. The educational planning involving general training for managers, technical training for HMIS professional as well as specific end user training to satisfy interest of various user group will ensure a smooth and timely HMIS implementation.

ANSWER 3) There are various tools that help the project managers to manage time, resources,quality and scope. Microsoft project is the most frquently used software tool in implementation of HMIS. Microsoft excel helps these managers to handle their basic tasks, budgets and staff assignments. The other tools used are Program evaluation Review Technique (PERT) and Gantt charts. Both can be produced manually or using softwares. All gthe tools should be used keeping the following issues in mind which includes effective accessibilty, interoperability and integration, ease of use, improvement of the quality of the processess, centralized administration, privacy and digital security, precaution against resistance to IT.

ANSWER 4) For successful implementation of HMIS, the end user involvement is required. It has been recognized that unless the HMIS staff, physicians and nurse who are the ultimate end user is not involved in systems planning and ongoing evaluation, The HMIS success will be short lived. This group of individuals representing many technical and professional group will add their expertize and knowledge towards the implementation strategies of HMIS.