Introduction
Information systems play a crucial role in the effective application of various health care processes. Health care organizations go through a tedious process when selecting and acquiring a suitable information system that meets their needs (Wager, Lee & Glaser, 2009). Organizations have numerous options to choose from when it comes to acquiring a selected information system. These options include developing one internally, leasing, buying, and giving contracts to system service providers among others. Organizations should be careful when deciding on their means of acquiring the information system. The reason for this is that all the above options have positive and negative elements that can influence the effective management of information (Tan, 2005). When selecting and acquiring an information system, it is important to consider organizational goals and stakeholder interests. This is crucial because the acquired information system should match the interests of key stakeholders and complement organizational goals (Wager et al., 2009).
The process of selecting and acquiring an information system
This process requires effective planning. The process of system acquisition starts when an organization establishes the need to acquire a new system and assembles a team to conduct the activity (Wager et al., 2009). The leader of the project helps the selected team to develop their objectives and establish how they will analyze their various system vendors. The second step involves the team establishing and defining the goals of the organization’s desired system (Wager, et al., 2009). These goals are determined by first assessing the organization’s information needs. The third step involves identifying and prioritizing various needs of the system. The top priority is searching for software that will be compatible with the requirements of the identified system needs. The team should focus on finding software that will help the organization meet its objectives through the selected system. The final step involves acquiring a system that works well with the software identified (Wager et al., 2009). At this point, the project manager should guide the team in determining the best option for acquiring the system depending on the identified needs. The team should conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the acquisition option that will give the organization many benefits.
Impact of organizational goals and stakeholders in the process
Organizational goals and stakeholders influence the process of acquiring an information system. Health care organizations acquire information systems that complement their goals (Tan, 2005). The process of acquisition is subject to a decision-making process, which is also influenced by organizational goals. Information needs of health care organizations are also dependent on organizational goals, thus influencing the capacity of the system acquired. Health care organizations focus on providing quality service delivery and need a system that can help them in meeting short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals (Tan, 2005).
Organizational stakeholders in health care organizations include physicians, information analysts, nurses, doctors, physicians, and information technology managers among others. These stakeholders are involved in determining the information needs of an organization (Tan, 2005). They establish, classify, and manage information depending on its use. Physicians, nurses, and doctors determine the patient information needs of an organization and the best ways of managing it. Just like organizational needs, stakeholders have a great influence on the decision-making process. Information analysts are responsible for helping organizations to manage information in an effective manner. They play a crucial role in the kind of system acquired, as they know the ones that manage health information in an effective manner (Tan, 2005). They also help in establishing the requirements of the right information system for an organization.
Conclusion
Information systems help to improve service delivery in health care organizations. The process of selecting and acquiring an information system requires good planning. It should take into consideration the interests of organizational stakeholders and goals. The system acquired should improve the effectiveness of service delivery.
References
Tan, J. (2005). E-Health Care Information Systems: An Introduction for Students and Professionals. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Wager, K. A., Lee, F. W., & Glaser, J. P. (2009). Health Care Information Systems: A Practical Approach for Health Care Management. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons.