Lessons learned from a comprehensive electronic patient record procurement process - Implications for healthcare organisations

Abstract

Background This study describes learning from procurement of a comprehensive electronic patient record (EPR/electronic health record (EHR)), system for a specialist clinical academic institution. Method Retrospective review of procurement process in addition to evaluation of peer-reviewed literature in the field. Results Main lessons learned include the importance of detailed preparation of organisational requirements/specifications and organisational 'readiness'. Early staff involvement, resulting in ownership of the selected system by the organisation was a key achievement. The scoring process used required significant resource commitment but, despite being extensive in scope, provided relatively poor distinction between suppliers, despite significant variation in supplier self-scoring. Other elements, such as demonstrations and site visits, provided superior evaluation of functional abilities, and specification requirements should be regarded as threshold evaluation. Conclusion While principles should be followed, the procurement process must be modified to meet the needs of the specific organisation, in terms of its clinical activities, digital maturity, existing infrastructure and budget.