We have been doing a first phase of looking at occupational health software.
Based on input from other MCOHS colleagues we have had informal discussions and webinars with Cority, Agility, Pure OHS, Enterprise Health and Immuware.
Our discussion with management initially focused on why Epic might not be the ideal choice. That involved explaining that we are not an ambulatory care clinic and that we do not need an EMR but we do need an OHS (occupational health system).
In the ideal situation we also would like whatever system we end up with to have the capability of communicating/linking with Epic and our HR system.
We also sat down and said what are our top 5 priorities for this investment.
If we receive our funding then we will start a formal RFP process. All these vendors will promise everything in the sales mode.
We have very few internal resources to manage the implementation of any OHS. Part of our initial discussion with the various vendors was how much will you commit and contribute to implementation to bridge the gap with what we have.
One thing that we found very helpful was calling other colleagues who had transitioned to an OHS system and asking very specific questions about implementation, support and the reality of what the sale people promised and day to day operations.
Charlie Hackett MD, MPH
Lifespan EOHS