Readiness factors for the implementation of a hospital informatics system

The implementation of a Hospital Informatics System at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba offered a leadership opportunity to engage staff and physicians in managing change to this electronic medium. While "readiness" had been identified as a critical indicator for successful implementation, defining what would constitute readiness was not apparent. Change management, organizational culture, adult and organizational learning, and engagement in the change process were explored as concepts important to change implementation in organizations. This action research project consists of using surveys and interviews to elicit definitions and interpretations of readiness for this change, and a focus group to develop recommendations for future implementations. Recommendations include ongoing readiness assessments, role clarity for managers, communication strategies and tools, identification of super-users and mentors, customizing training options, information on change implementation and time lines, including informatics in academic and orientation programs, and enhancing community and inter-facility dialogue.