Waging IT

As those who have done it know, implementing an EHR is a lot like going to war: The strategy must be devised, the forces mobilized and the tactics deployed. CIO-of-the-Year Sue Schade has done this twice and shares lessons learned in those campaigns in this issue of Partner Voice. The tactics and business cases governing the deployment of new technologies are changing, in response to the remodeling of our healthcare system. We hear from Carlos Carrasco, COO at the 808-bed Orlando Regional Medical Center, on a new formula for building a business case that factors in accountability to both patients and the referring network. Finally, with the Meaningful Use program shifting into second gear, Advisory Board consultant Bethany Jones urges eligible hospitals and providers to maximize their investments by making sure technologies will evolve with the organization. As you go forth in your IT implementations, keep in mind these words from General George S. Patton: "Good tactics can save even the worst strategy. Bad tactics will destroy even the best strategy."

Cheryl Proval

Cheryl Proval,

Vice President, Executive Editor, Radiology Business

Cheryl began her career in journalism when Wite-Out was a relatively new technology. During the past 16 years, she has covered radiology and followed developments in healthcare policy. She holds a BA in History from the University of Delaware and likes nothing better than a good story, well told.

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