CHAPTER 7 Is Your Institution Ready for HCM? 71
What else you should demonstrate
Institutions with a large amount and variety of data, a complex IT infrastructure,
and open-minded supervisors and colleagues would be well advised to
consider these points before enthusiastically embarking on rolling out an
HCM system:
1. The existing IT systems must be equipped with the necessary interfaces.
Ideally, the existing systems work with common medical standards such as
HL7 or DICOM. If this is not the case, the following options are possible:
·· Interfaces can be purchased from the provider of the IT system.
·· Is a system on the verge of being replaced anyway? Now would be the
right time for a new system that is based on industry standards.
·· Under certain circumstances, the interface problem can be solved using
an existing communications server.
·· A temporary solution (for a short time!) can be the utilization of simple,
generic interfaces. However, this is usually accompanied by a loss of
functionality.
2. The data should be available in digital form.
Although it is self-evident, it should still be emphasized at this point: In
order to begin the implementation of an HCM system, an essential part
of the documents and images should already be available digitally. If this
is not the case, and for example the majority of the documents are paper-based,
take advantage of the implementation of the HCM system as an important
step of digitization: the conversion of paper-based files into digital
files after the conclusion of a case. This is a nifty approach not only to
build the foundation for digital files, but also to gently introduce users to
digital processes.
3. The IT department must have the necessary expertise.
Competence in data protection, IT security and project management is
crucial. Because an HCM system is powerful and rich in content, with
ramifications
extending to the outside world, i.e. beyond the firewall. The
tools for the required data protection and IT security can only be forged
by the facilities themselves. Manufacturers of IT systems can only provide
advisory support and ensure that their systems can be integrated into
the concept.