When Should You Replace Your EHR

I borrowed this from an Ophthalmology Article I was reading. I have attached the link to the whole article. I thought it was a pretty thoughtful & discussed issues we are struggling with now.

Here is a section of it:

When Should You Replace Your EHR? 

So the big question for practices that are dissatisfied with their EHR system is this: When is it practical to replace your system - and when is it not?

Start by asking yourself the following questions about the system:

Can the issues be resolved through remediation and/or some type of new approach?

More often than not, the failure can be corrected, or some reasonable compromises and workarounds can resolve the issue. The last thing that vendors want is for their customers to fail in using their software. Most responsible vendors take complaints very seriously and will do what is necessary to correct the issues. Before considering uninstalling the product, first exhaust all efforts to work with the vendor to correct the problems.

Can the issues be resolved through development and/or technical improvements?

No software is perfect. Most vendor improvements involve input from users who are experiencing issues. A good vendor considers an issue an opportunity to enhance or improve the product. It can take time for the vendor to make needed improvements, but the wait will be worthwhile when you begin to see progress.

Is the vendor responsive and concerned about the issues?

Vendor responsiveness is one of the more important elements to consider because much of the outcome depends on the vendor╒s willingness to take responsibility for ensuring your success with the system. It will be very difficult to remediate the problems if the vendor fails to lead the charge. If that is the case, an alternative course of action (discussed later) may be needed.

Does the practice bear some responsibility for the failure?

In fairness to vendors, not all EHR failures are their fault. Some practices are just not prepared to undergo an EHR transformation. Some practices have even discovered saboteurs who feel the EHR system threatens their job security. Others may have failed to fully train clinicians on use of the software, thus creating inefficiencies and challenges. If you feel the practice has not done all it can do, you owe it to yourself to address these internal issues before abandoning your EHR system.

Has the product (or version) been commercially discontinued?

Often, the failure is due to the product becoming obsolete or outdated. The practice must keep its software up to date. The current version generally incorporates all necessary improvements. Continuing to use an outdated version of an EHR system is one of the fastest ways to fall behind, experience unwanted threats or limit the practice╒s ability to attest to meaningful use of an EHR system.

http://www.aao.org/yo/newsletter/201207/article02.cfm