Questions to Ask When Procuring a New Clinical Software System – Part 1

So, you’re looking for a new clinical software system, but you’re not sure where to start. Don’t worry… you’re not alone.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard that before.

We understand that selecting the right software for your healthcare facility can be a daunting task. One crucial aspect of this decision-making process is evaluating software integration. This is exactly why we put together a comprehensive guide to make sure you ask the right questions and make informed choices for seamless software integrations.

Understanding Your Facility’s Needs

Before diving into software integrations, it’s necessary to have a clear understanding of your facility’s specific needs and goals. Consider the following questions:

• What existing software systems are in place that the new software needs to integrate with?
• What are the specific pain points you want the new software to address?
• Are there any future expansions or requirements that the software integration should be able to accommodate?

What Integrations Are Supported?

Not all clinical software solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with each other. It’s crucial to ask potential software providers about their integration capabilities:

• Which EMR/ERP systems does the software support integration with?
• Can the software integrate with other essential tools such as billing, inventory management, or scheduling systems?
• Is there an API (Application Programming Interface) available for custom integrations?

Assessing Data Security and Privacy Measures

It goes without saying that data security is paramount in the healthcare industry. Ensure that the software integration won’t compromise the confidentiality and integrity of patient information:

• Does the software comply with relevant data security regulations, such as HIPAA?
• Is the company SOC 2 Type II compliant?
• How is data encrypted during transit and at rest?

• What measures are in place to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive data?

Integration Implementation Process

Understanding the integration implementation process is crucial to plan for a smooth transition:

• What is the estimated time frame for the integration process?

• Will the software provider offer ongoing training and support during the integration phase?
• Are there any potential challenges that may arise during integration, and how are they handled?

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our comprehensive question guide, where we’ll delve into questions around testing and compatibility, scalability and future-proofing, and ROI, helping you understand what questions you should ask to set yourself up for success!