Senior leaders of a managed care organization have consulted a healthcare quality professional on the purchase of a clinical data management software system to support performance improvement. Which of the following should be considered first?
A.
the organization's goals for the system
B.
the cost of the software
C.
the end users’ feedback related to the software
D.
the ability to integrate with existing information systems
Explanation: When selecting a clinical data management software system to support performance improvement, the first step is to align the selection process with the organization’s strategic objectives. According to NAHQ CPHQ study materials, effective performance improvement requires that technology investments directly support organizational goals, such as improving quality, efficiency, or patient outcomes. Defining the organization’s goals for the system—such as enhancing data analytics, streamlining reporting, or supporting specific quality metrics—provides a clear framework for evaluating software options. This ensures the systemmeets the organization’s specific needs and aligns with its quality improvement priorities. While cost (B), end users’ feedback (C), and integration with existing systems (D) are important, they are secondary to establishing the system’s purpose.
[: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Performance Improvement Section, “Strategic Alignment of Technology with Organizational Goals”; NAHQ Code of Practice, Principle 1: Organizational Leadership and Integration., ]
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