Oracle Health Millennium (OHM) stands out as a pioneering platform designed to streamline healthcare management and enhance patient care. It’s a tool that, when implemented correctly, can revolutionize your hospital’s operations. But embarking on this digital transformation without the solid foundation of a specialist consultant can be akin to navigating a maze blindfolded. In this post, we explore why enlisting expert help is crucial to successfully implementing Millennium, ensuring your facility not only survives the transition but thrives in its new, digital environment.
The risks of implementing Oracle Health Millennium without specialist consultation
Implementing OHM is no small feat. It demands a deep understanding of its intricate systems and processes. Many healthcare facilities are tempted to undertake this effort alone, thinking it will save time and costs. However, the reality is often far from this ideal. The complexity of OHM can lead to potential pitfalls, affecting your technical, financial, and operational aspects.
Without an experienced consultant, you might face challenges such as incorrect system configuration, which can lead to inefficiencies and data management issues. Financially, any initial savings on consulting fees might be dwarfed by the cost of rectifying mistakes and dealing with system downtimes. Operationally, your staff might struggle with new workflows, leading to decreased productivity and morale.
Many organizations have painfully realized the importance of expert consultation only after they’ve encountered significant issues during the OHM go-live phase. One hospital, for example, faced severe disruptions because they underestimated the system’s complexity and lacked the detailed planning required for a smooth transition. This resulted in prolonged downtime, staff frustration, and a temporary dip in patient care quality.
A crucial part of the implementation process is preparing for Oracle Health‘s structured procedures and limited support. We have seen time and time again that not involving the right people in the configuration can lead to major setup hiccups. Department heads often lack the granular insight required, leading to mismatches in workflows and user roles. Without specialists, such issues can turn a promising digital transformation into a logistical nightmare. Read more here.
The role of specialist consultants in OHM implementation
Specialist consultants bring invaluable expertise to the table, acting as the guiding light through the complex OHM implementation process. Their in-depth knowledge of the system helps mitigate risks and facilitates a successful deployment. Consultants are adept at supporting Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), analysts, and managers in grasping OHM’s nuances, offering innovative design ideas, and explaining intricate requirements to Oracle Health.
For instance, EHR Enhancify uses its extensive experience to break down large requirements into manageable tasks, streamlining communication and problem solving. They perform the troubleshooting tasks that might otherwise stump in-house IT analysts due to lack of experience. This not only accelerates the implementation process but also ensures fewer errors and reduced stress on your team.
Not only that, but they’ll also help you build the required in-house implementation team to ensure a smooth implementation. Too often, organizations pick too small or too specalized a group of individuals to make decisions regarding workflows and customization, leaving the system unfit for purpose upon launch. The reality is that the implementation team should be a mix of cross-functional experts, including non-technical personnel such as nurses and physicians and a consultant will help you determine the right ones.
When it comes to requesting specific workflows and customization, Oracle Health’s paperwork for this can be tricky. A consultant – like EHR Enhancify – can provide expert guidance on how to request these changes and their potential risks, reducing frustration and time lost. With a specialist consultant’s help, you’ll not only get better at tailoring the system to your specific needs but also reduce backlog requests that could otherwise take months.
Consultants also handle basic maintenance tasks, allowing IT managers to focus on strategic priorities. We work hand-in-hand with healthcare organizations to propose and implement changes, providing peace of mind during both the immediate and long-term post-implementation phases.
Benefits of engaging a specialist consultant
Engaging a specialist consultant offers a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance the OHM implementation process.
Firstly, it results in substantial cost savings. Although hiring a consultant involves upfront costs, these are quickly offset by the reduced risk of costly errors and downtime. Furthermore, consultants can help optimize resource allocation, saving both time and money.
Another key advantage is minimized downtime. With a consultant’s guidance, the transition to OHM is more seamless, ensuring continuity of care and operational efficiency. This leads to improved user adoption as staff members gain confidence in the system’s capabilities, boosting morale and productivity.
Perhaps most importantly, specialist consultants can enhance user satisfaction. By tailoring the system to better fit the organization’s needs, consultants ensure that the staff can perform their roles more effectively, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. And reduced chance of burnout due to admin overload!
How to choose the right consultant for your Oracle Health Millennium implementation
Selecting the right consultant is crucial to maximizing the benefits they can offer. Start by evaluating their experience with Oracle Health Millennium and their track record in healthcare IT projects. Ideally, given that Millennium was bought from Cerner only a few years ago, you should find a consultancy with Cerner experience as this will mean they understand the system’s intricacies and have worked with it for at least five years. They will therefore have a proven history of successful implementations and the insights needed to tackle complex challenges.
Also, pay attention to their communication and collaboration skills. A good fit is someone who can work closely with your team and build a strong working relationship. Transparency, attention to detail, and effective project management are also key qualities to look for in a consultant.
Additionally, consider the consultant’s understanding of healthcare IT regulations and best practices. This knowledge is essential for ensuring compliance and maintaining data security throughout the implementation process.
Lastly, choose a consultancy that offers ongoing support beyond the implementation phase. This will ensure a smooth transition into business as usual operations and provide continuous assistance for any issues or customizations needed in the future.
The bottom line
The successful implementation of Oracle Health Millennium can position your healthcare organization for long-term success, enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient care. However, achieving this potential requires more than just a basic understanding of the platform. Specialist consultants offer the expertise, guidance, and support necessary to navigate the complexities of OHM deployment, minimize risks, and maximize outcomes.
By engaging expert consultants like EHR Enhancify, healthcare IT professionals and administrators can pave the way for a smoother transition, ensuring that their organization not only survives but thrives in the digital age. If you’re considering implementing OHM, don’t leave your success to chance. Contact us today.