Launch Norms
Launching new or optimized clinical content is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Successful launch is critical for the adoption and effectiveness of the clinical content in improving patient care and enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare operations. Launch can be divided into soft and hard launch.
Soft Launch
Soft launch (also referred to as user acceptance testing) is a crucial phase to ensure that the new or optimized clinical content in the Connect Care clinical information system meets the needs and expectations of its intended users. It focuses on verifying that it functions correctly, aligns with user requirements, and is ready for real-world use. Below are the key considerations when entering the soft launch phase:
Testers: Users who will be using the clinical content in their daily work conduct user acceptance testing. They can include physicians, nurses, quality leads, administrative staff, and other relevant personnel.
Test Environment: Soft launch is performed in a controlled environment that mirrors the production setting, ensuring that the testing conditions closely resemble actual usage. At times, the lack of robust data in the test environment calls for discreet build in the production environment made accessible only to the testers.
Validation of Test Scenarios: Testers execute real-world scenarios that they are likely to encounter during their routine tasks. Soft launch tests the ability of the new or optimized content to handle different types of patient data, accommodate various workflows, personalization where possible, and ensure data security and privacy compliance.
Validation of Usability: Testers evaluate the user interface, ease of navigation, and overall user experience. Any issues related to usability or interface design are identified and addressed.
Feedback and Troubleshooting: Testers provide feedback, document their findings, and report any defects or issues encountered during testing. This feedback is used for further improvement, training, and to fix major issues.
Acceptance Criteria: The content is considered ready for deployment when it meets predefined acceptance criteria. These criteria are often agreed upon with stakeholders before the soft launch begins.
Sign-off: Once all issues are resolved, and the content meets the acceptance criteria, the governance group provides formal sign-off, indicating their approval for the content to go live.
Hard Launch
Hard launch is a significant milestone in development and deployment of clinical content. This phase involves making the content available for regular use within the organization. Here are the key considerations when entering the hard launch phase:
Planning and Coordination: A well-defined launch plan should be in place. This plan outlines the steps, responsibilities, and timeline for the launch. Coordination among IT teams, healthcare staff, and stakeholders is crucial.
Communication: Effective communication with healthcare staff and other stakeholders is vital. Keep them informed about the hard launch, what it means to the organization, and its impact on patient care.
Training: Groups of individuals who will be using the content need training to ensure effective use. Training programs should be tailored to the specific roles and workflows of the users.
Go-Live Support: On the day of the launch, additional support and resources should be available. This can include having IT support teams on hand to address any immediate issues or concerns.
Rollout Strategy: Clinical content that is significant in scope may be launched in phases, starting with specific sites. This gradual rollout can help manage the transition more smoothly.
User Feedback: Encourage users to provide feedback about the content usability and any issues they encounter. This feedback is valuable for making improvements and addressing any early concerns.
Monitoring and Optimization: After the hard launch, ongoing monitoring is essential. This includes performance monitoring, data integrity checks, and continuous optimization based on user feedback.
Post-Launch Evaluation: Conduct post-launch evaluations to assess the success of the launch and identify areas for improvement. This can help refine processes for future updates and enhancements.
Sustainability: Ensure that there is a long-term strategy for maintaining and evolving the content. This includes regular updates, support, and staying current with workflows and documentation.