> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://edehr.gitbook.io/edehr-compass/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://edehr.gitbook.io/edehr-compass/planning-and-governance/strategic-planning/assessing-institutional-readiness.md).

# Assessing Institutional Readiness

### Overview

Curious if your institution is truly ready to implement an educational EHR like EdEHR? This page is your roadmap to assessing readiness before you dive in. We’ll walk you through a structured approach using the SCORS framework, so you can confidently evaluate your institution’s preparedness from every angle.

**On this page, you’ll get:**

* An introduction to institutional readiness and how to use the SCORS framework in [Assessing Institutional Readiness ↗](/edehr-compass/planning-and-governance/strategic-planning/assessing-institutional-readiness.md)
* An overview of the key factors to consider before EHR adoption in [Defined Need for Change ↗](#defined-need-for-change)
* Guiding questions and conversation starters in [Readiness for Culture Change ↗](#readiness-for-culture-change)
* Practical steps and checklists in [Time, Personnel, and Resource Readiness ↗](#time-personnel-and-resource-readiness)
* A sustainability and risk management checklist in [Sustainability Practices ↗](#sustainability-practices)
* A side-by-side comparison guide in [Comparative Analysis of EHR Solutions ↗](#comparative-analysis-of-ehr-solutions)

By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of where your institution stands and what steps to take next for a successful EHR implementation.

***

### Assessing Institutional Readiness

Before implementing an educational EHR like EdEHR, institutions should conduct a comprehensive readiness assessment. The SCORS framework (Simulation Culture Organizational Readiness Survey) provides a structured lens to evaluate both operational and cultural preparedness.

[**SCORS Resource**](https://www.healthysimulation.com/tools/evaluating-healthcare-simulation/simulation-culture-organizational-readiness-survey-scors/)

***

### Defined Need for Change

**(Strategic Alignment & Institutional Goals)**

Assess whether there is a clearly recognized need and strategic drive to integrate an educational EHR system.

**Key Questions:**

* Is there a clear strategic objective to integrate EHR training into healthcare education?
* How does an educational EHR align with accreditation standards and competency frameworks?
* Is there leadership support for implementation?

**Assessment Actions:**

* Conduct interviews with leadership, faculty, and students to understand perceptions and needs.
* Identify program-specific EHR competency requirements (e.g., nursing, MLS).
* Map EHR integration to curriculum goals and interprofessional learning outcomes.

***

### Readiness for Culture Change

**(Faculty & Student Adoption)**

Evaluate institutional readiness to embrace simulation-based training and EHR tool adoption.

**Key Questions:**

* Are faculty comfortable with EHR technology and simulation pedagogy?
* What is the expected student learning curve?
* Are support structures (e.g., training, help desk) in place?

**Assessment Actions:**

* Distribute faculty readiness surveys.
* Offer professional development workshops for faculty.
* Run student pilot sessions to gather UX and learning feedback.

***

### Time, Personnel, and Resource Readiness

**(Financial & IT Commitment)**

Determine the institution’s ability to support the technical and operational demands of an EHR.

**Key Questions:**

* What are the total implementation costs (licenses, hosting, IT, faculty time)?
* What are the available funding streams (grants, internal budgets)?
* Does IT have the infrastructure and capacity to support EdEHR?
* Are privacy and security standards (FOIPPA, etc.) met?

**Assessment Actions:**

* Compare in-house hosting vs. SaaS models (e.g., EdEHR).
* Consult with your institution’s privacy officer to ensure compliance.

***

### Sustainability Practices

**(Risk Management & Long-Term Viability)**

Consider whether the EHR initiative can be maintained and grown over time.

**Key Questions:**

* Are there risks related to vendor dependency or custom development?
* Can the solution scale with enrolment growth and curriculum expansion?
* What’s the long-term plan for funding and maintenance?

**Assessment Actions:**

* Create a vendor risk mitigation strategy (e.g., legal agreements, documentation).
* Choose an EHR system with proven scalability and adaptability.

***

### Comparative Analysis of EHR Solutions

Use insights from the [Getting Started - EdEHR vs Other Systems](/edehr-compass/overview/edehr-vs-other-ehr-systems.md) to build a tailored comparison of EdEHR vs. alternatives like ChartFlow or GoEHR.

**🔍 Evaluation Criteria:**

* 💰 Cost per student
* 🛠 Customization capabilities
* 🔗 LMS integration
* 🇨🇦 Canadian privacy compliance
* 🌱 Sustainability over time

Create your own comparison matrix to align with institutional priorities.

***

### Final Recommendations

Using the **SCORS framework** supports a well-rounded evaluation of institutional readiness—balancing cultural adoption with technical and financial planning.

> *A well-prepared institution is one that not only sees the need for innovation, but is also structured to support it.*


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