A BUYER'S GUIDE TO PATIENT SAFETY AND IRM SYSTEMS
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FINDING YOUR IRM AND PATIENT SAFETY SYSTEM VENDOR
The next step is to dive deeper into the vendors you're considering. Here, aim to get an
understanding of which vendors best match your preliminary list of needs. Look for a long-term
partner, one that will be with you at the beginning (implementation) and is positioned in the
marketplace to be a long-term player and has the business model to support your activities as they
change and grow over the years.
Now that you have a
comprehensive list of your
current and future needs, begin
the process of selecting the
system or systems that are right
for your organization. Using
your needs list and working
within your organization's
strategic procurement process,
create a simple request for
proposal (RFP) to be submitted
to the marketplace. Keep the
decision points very focused
and concentrated on the most
important aspects of your
organization's needs.
SUGGESTED KEYS INCLUDE:
» Implementation experience
and support
» Customer support depth
» Data and system security
standards and practices
» Scalability
» Ability to customize to meet
changing needs
» Clarity of vision
» Experience in the field
» Ease of use
» User training and support
» Long-term cost structure
At this point, it's important to
keep a level playing field. All the
potential vendors should receive
the same information from the
organization and from the same
source. All communications to
the potential vendors should
come from one source in your
organization. There should be
absolutely no deviation from
that communication channel. If
one vendor seeking the contract
asks a question, all the vendors
should receive the same answer
at the same time.
