Six Steps to Successful Healthcare System Selection and Implementation

Healthcare System Selection and Pre-Implementation Process

Digital enablement is critical for healthcare organizations seeking better operational performance and patient engagement. Success in today’s challenging environment requires optimizing healthcare technology solutions such as Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and practice management (PM) systems to offset the headwinds of labor shortages, rising costs, migration of care, and increased competition.

Whether seeking new healthcare solutions to replace outdated technology, support growth, or enable physicians and nurses to prioritize patient care, BDO brings proven experience and actionable insights to guide healthcare organizations through the vendor system selection and pre-implementation readiness.   

BDO’s healthcare management consulting team outlines the most effective and efficient way for healthcare organizations to streamline their process.

6 steps to successful healthcare system selection and implementation chart

Target Systems Selection to Specific Provider Needs

Asking the right questions to the right stakeholders provides an accurate assessment of where you are today and better informs where you want to go.

  • Glean input from key stakeholders
  • Survey the current state

A comprehensive, objective acknowledgement of system shortcomings enables identification of must-have features and what is required to obtain the right solution.

  • Perform gap analysis
  • Envision your future state
  • Assess your organization’s change readiness
  • Formulate the functional system requirements


Framing appropriate questions and applying vendor market knowledge ensures only qualifying systems are reviewed and considered.

  • Craft your RFP according to your custom needs
  • Field responses from potential vendors
  • Narrow the list of potential vendors


Holistically Prepare for Implementation

Ensure day in the life scenarios align with identified requirements and the desired future state. 

  • Invite select vendors to give product demonstrations
  • Update the total cost of ownership analysis
  • Complete the final analysis

Outcome: Select New Vendor Solution

The new solution should:

  • Fulfill your need for enhanced patient and clinician experience, modernized quality care, operating efficiency, and cost savings
  • Support your organization’s long-term vision
  • Optimize your clinicians’ ability to work at the top of their license

BDO’s pre-implementation strategy guides organizations in establishing clear expectations and standards for transforming Access, Clinical and Revenue Cycle workflows. This allows our clients to realize the full value of system investment at implementation, thus reducing the need for immediate optimization efforts.       

  • Conduct a formalized, comprehensive gap analysis of the current state vs. the new solution
  • Prepare for the new technology
  • Close operational gaps where feasible prior to system implementation


A best practices approach to new system implementation involves empowering stakeholders in key focus areas across the organization.

  • Assess your governance structure
  • Implement the needed project management and change management strategies
  • Implement a thoughtful communications strategy
  • Develop readiness plans for various work groups across your organization


Get Started with a Dedicated Partner

Customizing the latest healthcare system technology to the unique needs and vision of your organization can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance clinical outcomes. Without it, your organization is at risk of losing ground to competitors. Applying deep healthcare operational experience in data analytics and IT integration with broad knowledge of the healthcare vendor market, BDO is distinctly qualified to guide you through the critical systems selection and pre-implementation process.