Successful health information technology operations are supported with sound technology management structures, clear lines of responsibility, and the attentive support of clinic leadership. Sound technology leadership also provides direction for the clinic staff, vendors, and outside consultants with roles in implementing the clinic’s vision and how technology can support that vision. Technology management structures provide the means to evaluate staff, vendors, consultants, and managers and hold them accountable. Absence of strong technology management structures and processes increases the risk of failure for mission-critical systems, and strains the clinic processes that these applications support.

Using Technology Management to Build Capacity and Create Sustainability:
• Clinic operations are tightly integrated with technology and information systems, making it essential that a clinic’s executive- level technology manager has a broad organizational perspective, including knowledge of both technology and operations;
• Sustained investments are made in technology management, planning, and training;
• Communication and coordination are valued - leaders from all disciplines are consulted when identifying issues and needs and determining priorities;
• Clinics provide appropriate support to their users with managed resources, whether staff-based, consultant-based, or a combination of the two;
• Technology staff, as well as vendors and consultants, are supervised, evaluated, and held accountable by management;
• Technology projects are structured, budgeted, managed, and evaluated by management.

Highly functioning technology management structures position a clinic to be proactive in their use of technology rather than addressing needs on a crisis-by-crisis basis. In this manner, clinic operations are more effectively supported and technology investments are maximized.  For large clinics that require more planning, EHR Doctors has vendor independent consultants that can help you pick the right product to fits your needs.

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