Implementation Support
L4 Networks provides comprehensive implementation support services. Our experience with countless IT implementation projects in our 25 years of business proves one thing - that it is essential to have an experienced technical project manager on board to guide the overall implementation process. Here is a brief description of some of the key areas of support we provide to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.
Project Management
Implementing any new IT system requires experienced project managers who not only understand the principals of good project management, but also have the technical understanding of the underlying technology that are being deployed in the Health IT infrastructure. We have seen all too often the poor results of employing generalists for highly technical IT projects.
L4 Networks is a leading provider of experienced technical program and project managers. We have over 25 years of experience managing complex IT projects for both large and small enterprises within the healthcare and other industries.
Contracts & Vendor Management
Solid vendor management starts with a good understanding of the underlying contract. Unfortunately, we are often brought in to assist after the contract has been negotiated and the project has derailed. Although it presents some unique challenges, we have demonstrated our ability to bring such projects back to health by employing our tried and tested vendor management techniques so that projects are brought back on schedule and budget as soon as possible.
Of course it is better to engage our services earlier in the planning phases so we can assist in developing solid vendor contracts, schedules and performance metrics from the get go. The earlier one can build a solid vendor-customer relationship, set agreeable, but definitive expectations and schedules, the stronger the foundation will be and the result will be a success for all parties.
Build & pre Go-live Testing
Our technical depth gives you the assurance that the IT infrastructure and EHR system build out is done according to the best practices and terms of the vendor agreement. We are quick to spot short-cuts that may develop into trouble spots at a later stage. We believe that rigorous and documented testing against formal test plans is one of the best ways to ensure the systems are ready for production.
Risk planning is also key as we know that there is no better way to mitigate problems in the go-live period than to have a deep set of risk mitigation and contingency plans to cover the myriad of things that could possibly go wrong.
Training & Support
L4 Networks will work with you, and the EHR and system vendors to develop comprehensive training plans, classroom & hands-on sessions. Training needs are self evident to most readers, but equally important are the establishment of on-site vendor support desks, and the formal trouble/incident ticket tracking and communication plans to be implemented for a period of time after the go-live point. Another item often overlooked is a formal change management process that includes not only the IT support team, but the training and support teams as well.
Go-Live and after-care
If all the plans are in place and tested and the training successfully executed, the go-live moment and weeks immediately following it should be fairly smooth. But the reality is that there will always be glitches. An on-site and highly available support team during those crucial weeks which is armed with contingency plans will help ensue that the wrinkles are ironed out quickly.
After the go-live period, we often perform an assessment to identify residual training needs, and any needed changes to the work flow and processes. This leads to measures which when implemented assure the continual smooth operation of the systems and underlying infrastructure.
Experience matters!
We just don't talk about Health IT, we get Health IT done.SM