Preparation is Key!

I enjoy this article and how the world needs to expect when they are getting set to deploy a project.

The 7 Deadly Sins of EMR Implementation
http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/7-deadly-sins-emr-implementation

As the article points, signing the dotted line and going forward with eMR (or eDR) is not the final step but just the beginning. Understanding the process will help achieve a smoother transition and deployment.

Key Points the articles makes of being a deadly sin:
1) Not doing your homework:

As the article points out:
"Avoiding supplier problems means background research and thorough evaluations of vendors and products. And beware: vendors tend to make promises they can't keep."

I hate overpromises but no delivery. So you should check with your association of professionals on "reputation" and success.. It is always know the strength and weakness of the software

2) Assuming the EMR is a magic bullet
I always state that it is not the end all of everything. As the article points out, it is change of doing business. Not necessarily an improvement.

The best quote I got:
"Most people think an EMR solves problems," he said. "But an EMR will only amplify problems that already exist in the practice."

3) Not including nurses in the planning stages
Stakeholders!!!!

4) Not participating in training
Big one that they read the manual and just do it

5) Thinking you can implement the same processes as paper
I get this the most that why can't we do it in paper? I state that you could but do not expect it to be efficient nor optimal (especially if one employee who is critical on the process get sick)

6) Not asking for extra help
Doctors are smart but they got a mentality that they know everything. They are doctor in their field but not necessarily in computers. They have "pride" to not ask... It is important to know your limitation and ask. The problem could be a quick fix instead of a longer, time consuming solution that could save you more money

7) Being short sighted
As the article points out, "(according to Waldren,) it's important to find an EMR that supports not just the current healthcare industry, but what the industry will soon become."

I have seen doctors go with the cheaper solution only to purchase another solution and pay twice for the same thing (let alone time lost and utilized)

At the end, you need to know what you are buying.. You get what you buy...
As for me, I focus on these pitfalls for the doctors and most of our solutions have been successful.. Not only knowing the strength but the limitations.