A BUYER'S GUIDE TO PATIENT SAFETY AND IRM SYSTEMS
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Now that you have a good understanding of the vendors under consideration and have moved into the stage of identifying a preferred system
provider, you'll need to assess the usability of the system. Set out below are some considerations to help you evaluate systems and vendors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
This is probably the most important
criteria to evaluate as you consider
different vendors. Focus first on each
vendor's key differentiators. Be sure
each has the right functionality to fit
your specific requirements.
Sample considerations:
» Offers advanced analytics capabilities
to improve decision making and
better evaluate key indicators that
give insights into incidents and
process improvement interventions.
» Provides a broad selection of
modules to cater to current
and future needs.
» Provides flexible reporting
tools, built-in templates, ad-hoc
reports, and automated report
distribution capabilities.
» Enables system users to
customize views to suit their
own needs and preferences.
TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATIONS
It's important to ensure you are getting
a system built on forward-looking
technology that will enable the system
to grow with you. Furthermore, ensure
the vendor will continue to develop,
enhance, and improve its products.
Sample considerations:
» Ability to interface/interoperate with
existing systems.
» Can be used on preferred operating
environment and hardware,
including tablets and mobile devices.
» Access control of data (read, write,
delete, copy) at the file level by user
and user group provided.
» Provides best-quality data
security and hosting, backed with
accreditation.
ABOUT THE VENDOR
Ensure the vendor has a good track
record of implementing and enhancing
their systems. Vendors should also
have a good credit and financial rating.
Sample considerations:
» The vendor should have expertise
in healthcare and subject matter
experts on staff.
» For claims management, look for
insurance and technology expertise.
» Consistent financial position over
the last three years.
» Years in business and age of product.
» Number of system developers
and product developers currently
employed by the vendor.
