GO-LIVE PHASE, THE MISSING LINK
By Lynette M. Sewell, RN, BSN
Though “Go-Live” indicates the “end” of the implementation process, it is really the
beginning of a new era. Conducting an Epic Go Live is equally as important as selecting a
vendor, choosing team members for the various committees, building the EMR, and/or testing
the EMR build. The immediate period before go-live is not a time to relax. The Go-Live
phase of any Implementation requires the same diligence and planning as the other phases
listed on the project plan.
Let us say no stone was left unturned during the creation of the project plan. It is not
unusual to find that Go-Live is often overlooked as an insignificant phase of an
implementation. Often, Go-Live is the final entry on the project plan; used as the period to
the end of a long, well researched historical novel; Go-Live should be thought of as the
last leg of the race. You are almost to the finish line, but not quite. In front of you lies
a few more yards before you successfully cross the finish line.
Planning the Go-Live phase should occur three to four months prior to the Go-Live date.
A separate seasoned Project Manager is suggested for success. A separate project plan is
also recommended. Preparation should begin with emphasis on the location, the infrastructure
of the Command Center and a planned duration.
Once plans are in motion to set-up the Command Center, strategies for supporting the
Go-Live begin to form. During this phase, do not forget to keep your customers engaged and
informed. Nursing departments, ancillary departments, physicians, patient and their
families should be made of aware of the changes that will be taking place in the future,
including possible delays during the first week. Engaging your Marketing Department is
crucial to assist in developing communication for employees and outside entities. For more
information on this topic read, the White Paper titled “Electronic Medical Record Go-Live
Planning”.
All phases of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) require thorough planning. Planning for
the Go Live phase, generally speaking, needs more attention than it usually receives. Part
of this planning should include the creation and refining of the Scope and Charter relating
to the Go Live phase of an implementation. The refinement of the Scope and Charter should
include the various testing phases. Each phase needs to be clearly defined. Detailed test
plans will ensure that the build and interfaces are thoroughly tested. The results of each
test phase needs to be available to all members of the implementation team. These results
will assist anyone involved in conducting a successful Epic Go Live.
