Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve?

Michele Hom

Dr. Minder ChenBUS 550

5/10/11

Harvard Business Review – July/August 2007

Agenda• Background

• The dilemma

• Monolithic vs SOA

• Pros and Cons

• Possible Solutions

• Question

• Discussion (if time permits)

PEACHTREE HEALTHCARE•CEO= Max Berndt (12 yrs at institution)•Encompasses 11 mid-large sized institutions plus:

•Supported by:•Ancillary clinics•Practicing MDs•Trauma centers•Rehabilitation facilities•SNFs

•Over 4000 employees•Mission is:

•To deliver the best quality and efficient care•IT infostructure is collapsing

Should the CEO approve

a shift to risky new technology

or

for with the time-tested

monolithic system?

MONOLITHIC SYSTEM

SERVICE-ORIENTED ARCHITECHTURE

•Loosely coupled architecture designed to meet the business needs of the organization•Autonomous services

•Functionally distinguishable aspects are not architecturally separate components but are all interwoven

Outline

Monolithic System SOA

PROS

CONS

•Consistent infostructure•Unifying for all new/current facilities•Allows MDs to work together

•$500 million +•TIME•Redesign acquired facilities•Curbs MD independence

•Quick•Flexibility in $•Ability to integrate new facilities

•Immature market•Experimental

•Different for all•Never before in HC•Cost ??•Time ??

POSSIBLE Solutions??

•Define clear criteria for system capabilities•Create a risk profile

•Construct from the desired goals and establish a

plan for achievement

•Incorporate a β center and expand

Question

The ability to loosely couple architecture designed to meet the business needs of the organization is:

A. Monolithic systemB. Enterprise systemC. SOA (Pick this one!)D. Microlithic system

Discussion

•How do you think the implementation of a SOA can impact healthcare?

•Can a system streamline medical decisions or will there be push back from MDs?