Date: Monday, June 7, 2010 

Re: Software Selection for New Information Systems in the Long Term Healthcare (LTHC) Industry  

After fifteen years and hundreds of engagements as a consultant in the LTHC industry, I have come to the conclusion that because of the limited successes and many failures had nothing to do with the software selections, but rather the lack of co-operation and involvement from the CEO of the organizations that we have dealt with.  

I also strongly believe that before a software information system is selected, many changes should be made before the search begins.  I will use the analogy relative to painting the inside a house: the major component of success lies within the preparation.  If the prep work is completed correctly, the paint will turn out as intended.  In my estimation, very little preparation and poor leadership resulted in limited successes and many failures.    

In three or four instances, despite the client paying us for software selection, no selection was ever made.   

In closing, whether it is our country or an organization – the buck should stop at the head, not the tail end.  In order to successfully implement this properly, I strongly recommend having a face-to-face session in order to work out some of the finite details of this project.  

Sincerely,

Edward Koscic 
Principal, Edward Koscic and Associates, LLC