Electronic Medical Records Application Development: Perspectives of the Service Provider

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Prashant Palvia, Joe Rosenthal Excellence Professor and Director of the McDowell Research Center for Global IT Management (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) is a relatively new phenomenon and refers to the use of computer applications to store, process, and use clinical, administrative, and financial information among various health care entities. HIT is widely regarded as a key to improving the quality of healthcare in the United States and potentially reducing its cost. Yet, its implementation is a continuous challenge for the healthcare industry. One of the key applications of HIT is Electronic Medical Records (EMR). The implementation of an EMR system may result in improved and more efficient care and patient safety, but it may also incur additional costs. Furthermore, if the development of the application is undertaken by an offshore vendor, it adds another layer of complexity. This research case documents the experiences in the development and implementation of an EMR system for a U.S. client by an offshore vendor. While client experiences abound in the literature, this study is unique in that it draws from the perspective of the service provider. Key findings of the study show that the major issues related to EMR development by an offshore vendor include gaining domain knowledge, requirements generation, and access to expertise. Like offshoring projects in general, client-vendor communication remains perennially important. Beyond EMR, this vendor's critical success factors in HIT projects offshore development additionally include scope containment, need for a client liaison, and managing non-functional expectations.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
Health Information Technology, Electronic Medical Records, Offshore Outsourcing, Service Provider Perspective, Critical Success Factors

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