Assessment: My Health Record Project

This report discusses cloud solutions with relation to information systems and analyzes different vendors' solutions. It also highlights the benefits and weaknesses of cloud solutions and recommends an SDLC approach for the project.

Running head: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
1
Assessment: My Health Record Project
[Name]
[Academic Institution]
[Author Note]
[Class]
[Professor]
August 29, 2024

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 2
Introduction
Information systems provide organizations the means to manage data. This data in return
provide the basis for making accurate decisions which boosts the probability of success. Three
major functions are often affiliated with these systems; collection, storage and processing,
actions that necessitate a lot of resources. As a solution, the digital world provides cloud-based
solutions which provide these services through the internet at minimal costs. Therefore, IT
facilities such as networking, computing, and storage facilities are leased from third party
members, commonly known as vendors or service providers. The project at hand also hopes to
use the same resources to meet its functional objectives. Essentially, after setting up the
information system, this resource will be hosted online to increase its availability and
accessibility. As such, this report discusses cloud solutions with relation to information systems.
Vendor Solution
Across the world, physicians continue to complain about the features of electronic health
records (EHR). At the helm of the problem is the vendors’ desires to satisfy international system
standards without the need for a higher usability. Therefore despite the research poured into
medical IS they remain to be inefficient in the workplace environment, an outcome that
necessitates an analysis of the desirable features (Medical Economics, 2014).
Cerner – facilitated by its leading information systems Cerner EMR, this vendor offers a
collection of unified electronic records that are designed to streamline medical services. It also
provides both on-site and off-site services based on cloud resources.
Features:

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 3
 Dynamic documentation tools – a wide range of resources are readily available to the
user from spreadsheets to notepads. These tools also adapt to the immediate needs of the
system.
 Auto-texting – automated messages are sent across the system to remind and manage
resources such as the update of security protocols.
 Patient portal – although it is a common feature with most medical IS, Cerner develops
customized portals for all patients to improve their usability.
 Powerful integration – the applications developed seamlessly integrate with other systems
from OS to other medical software.
 Education resource – to answer any questions concerning the system, an education center
is fitted with each program.
 Scheduled dashboard – another component that boosts the automation of the systems
based on the needs of the user (Cerner, 2018).
MEDITECH – through its different versions of MEDITECH expanse, this vendor aims
to bridge the gap between healthcare and patients by surpassing the walls of medical facilities.
Furthermore, its service extends to cloud services where MaaS (MEDITECH as a service) is
provided (MEDITECH, 2018).
Features:
 Information consolidation – the EMR software developed are designed with a
collaborative objective and are thus accessible to all practitioners with the right
authorization.
 Reporting capabilities – robust reporting tools are provided by each system having a
variety of options such as graphs and pictures.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 4
 Security – access to applications is based on an efficient model that uses the roles and
responsibilities of the users. Therefore, access can be restricted in a number of ways
including location and confidential status.
 Advanced platform – an ever-changing platform is adopted on all applications with the
recent system functioning under the 6.0 environment.
 Live updates – a preference feature that allows the programs to update their tools and
functions to improve the overall usability.
 Private portals – unique operation environments having customizable accounts are given
to each user to enhance system practicality and functions (Becca, 2012).
MEDHOST – providing an intuitive EMR solution, MEDHOST provides systems that fit
the entire emergency department workflow. This structure improves adoption rates while
reducing errors in all medical departments (MEDHOST, 2018).
Features:
 Patient tracking – a resource that operates with the GPS (Global Positioning System)
technology having attached radio frequency readers on institution’s clothing.
 Nurse charting – records and information collected by practitioners more so, nurses are
presented in visual records such as graphs and spreadsheets.
 Physician documentation - the final analysis given by the doctors is stored in this section
for future use which also includes departmental collaborations.
 Administration utility – known as OpCenter, this tools enables the management of the
entire system from a centralized point, from user accounts to security.
 Data repositories – designed for remote locations, these data sources provide ambulatory
departments the means to access health records.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 5
 Primary system – a general program that is accessed by all parties including those lacking
personalized accounts (MEDHOST, 2018).
Review of Cloud Solutions
Any virtualized services that are offered through the internet is in a way a cloud solution.
Basically, the idea is to distribute IT resources over the digital medium while using a third party
member’s infrastructure. The best example is illustrated by E-mails which facilitate users in their
daily communication activities as information is stored on remote servers. While the end users
conduct their activities using front-end services of browsers, companies like Google support
these resources in their different infrastructure around the globe. Now, the concept of cloud
computing extends beyond this basic function of transferring mail to include networking
equipment and mass storage as seen in many hosting services seen today (El-Gazzar, 2014). It
thus, through this technology that this project aims to extend its services by hosting the backend
resources on a remote location as provided by a cloud systems’ vendor. As such, this section
highlights the attributes of this technology
Benefits and Strengths of Cloud Solutions
a) Distribution and availability – unlike on-premise equipment that requires a direct
connection, the resources hosted in the cloud are easily provided so long as the users have
an internet connection.
b) Cost saving – the host organization does not implement the physical solutions, in fact, the
set-up, management, and maintenance are done by the service provider only to be
charged based on a usage model.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 6
c) Storage – in line with the needs of the health system, the industry can lease as much
storage facilities as it needs because the vendor has countless resources in the form of
databases (warehouses) (Sether, 2016).
d) Redundancy and backup – service providers will have multiple resource centers which
are used to duplicate the subscribers’ functions in case of failure. Furthermore, in case of
losses, the vendor is responsible for the recovery procedures.
Weaknesses
a) Loss of control – the project will have to release its administrative rights to the service
provider in the form of data and management. This action will minimize its overall
control of the system to facilitate the role of the vendor thus outlining the control limits.
b) Security and privacy – while guarantees may be made by the service provider on the
integrity of their facilities, the fact that data is stored in a foreign land create the
vulnerability of it being lost or breached.
c) Outages – similar to the limitations experienced with internet connections, cloud services
on occasion will have technical faults resulting in downtime (Seshachala, 2015).
SDLC Approach
A systemic procedure that is used to implement information system projects having
outlined the user requirements. System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in particular represents
a conceptual method of designing and developing an application through pre-determined steps.
SDLC was originally developed to deal with the complexity of digital systems as their general
demands started to increase beyond the rudimentary processes of deploying applications. The
original techniques performed their activities using holistic methodologies as their capabilities
and needs were limited. Today’s customer’s demands exemplify the use of SDLC as complex yet

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 7
versatile systems are developed every day (Martínez et al., 2012). As such, it is understandable
to find that multiple SDLC approaches are used in system development. In this case, this report
analyses two of such methods; predictive and adaptive SDLC.
Predictive SDLC
A basic approach that follows a sequential model in the implementation of systems
starting with the planning and identification of requirements and ending with maintenance. At
the same time, this method independently executes each phase without any form of overlap, an
outcome that is guaranteed by its pre-determined requirements. Finally, it is characterized by a
strict documentation process that outlines all the components of the application from resources to
deployment personnel (Okoli & Carillo, 2012). This function enhances the stability of the final
results as it is often predicted before occurring.
Pros of Predictive SDLC
a) Its clear guideline guarantees result based on the predetermined objectives.
b) A predictable approach that produces stable results.
c) Furthermore, it is easy to understand even for the end users who have limited technical
capabilities.
d) Finally, the developing teams can easily transfer roles through the clear guidelines given.
Cons
a) Lack of flexibility thus any changes introduced causes a restart of all the procedures
(phases).
b) It is time-consuming as all the phases are executed sequentially without overlap.
c) Also, its application is limited to simple projects having predetermined requirements
(Melonfire, 2006).

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 8
Adaptive SDLC
A modern approach that basis its functionalities on adaptability and flexibility.
Essentially, the goal of this technique is to accommodate any changes introduced into a system
during the design process. Therefore, unlike the previous model, a sequential process is not
followed but a logical outline having several iteration cycles is used. In each cycle, all the stages
of development (planning, coding, and testing etc.) are executed to improve the final result.
Furthermore, different teams can work on the various phases of implementation and later on be
combined to produce the final product (Kannan, Jhajharia & Verma, 2014). In all, a dynamic and
versatile solution is developed while prioritizing the system’s functionality.
Pros of the adaptive model
a) Responds easily to changes, thus is convenient for modern applications.
b) It is a time-efficient approach as all implementation phases are executed together.
c) User needs and functionality are prioritized over any other requirements.
d) Limitations and risks are managed adequately based on its flexible model.
Cons
a) A complex model that is not easily understood.
b) This complexity raises its overall cost as a lot of expertise is needed.
c) Finally, a single model cannot be re-used as it is usually highly customized (Barrett,
2012).
Recommendation
An adaptive approach is the best model for this project on accounts of its complexity and
requirements. In the first variable, the system is a long-term project meant to serve millions of
people over an extended period of time. It is difficult if not impossible to predict all the user’s

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 9
requirements. Furthermore, the project is not a one-time application and thus will require regular
updates and revisions. Finally, its integration with the cloud-based solutions requires a dynamic
approach that can match the attributes of a virtual landscape. All these elements cannot be met
by a predictive approach as it will often require the developers to start a new implementation
procedure.
Conclusion
Modern information systems are designed to offer three main data functions, collection,
storage, and processing. Furthermore, because of the availability of data they are supposed to
artificially analyze results to produce quality conclusions. The integration of these systems with
cloud solutions offers a means to meet these demands together with those of the end users.
Through cloud computing the accessibility and availability of IS, is guaranteed, objectives that
are held by this project.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 10
References
Barrett, H. (2012). Pros and Cons of Agile Development. Empower and Protect. Retrieved 22
May, 2018, from: https://multimedia.telos.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-agile-development/
Becca. (2012). MEDITECH EMR Software-An Overview. Excite Health Partners. Retrieved 22
May, 2018, from: http://excitehealthpartners.com/news/meditech-emr-software-an-
overview/
Cerner. (2018). Cerner EMR Review. Medical Practice Management Software. Retrieved 22
May, 2018, from: https://reviews.financesonline.com/p/cerner-emr/#features
El-Gazzar, R. (2014). A Literature Review on Cloud Computing Adoption Issues in Enterprises.
Conference Paper, Springer. Retrieved 22 May, 2018, from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278698086_A_Literature_Review_on_Cloud_
Computing_Adoption_Issues_in_Enterprises
Kannan, V., Jhajharia, S & Verma, S. (2014). Agile vs waterfall: A Comparative Analysis.
International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Research, 3(10), pp.
2680-2685. Retrieved 22 May, 2018, from:
ijsetr.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IJSETR-VOL-3-ISSUE-10-2680-2686.pdf
Martínez, L., Mora, M., Álvarez, F., Garza, L., Durán, H & Muñoz, J. (2012). Review of
Relevant System Development Life Cycles (SDLCs) in Service-Oriented Software
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MEDHOST. (2018). A Complete EHR for the ED. Advanced Clinical Solutions. Retrieved 22
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https://www.medhost.com/what-we-do/optimize-healthcare-delivery/advanced-clinical-
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Medical Economics. (2014). 4 ways EHR vendors are building better systems. Modern Medicine
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information-technology/4-ways-ehr-vendors-are-building-better-systems
MEDITECH. (2018). Introducing MEDITECH Expanse. EHR Solutions. Retrieved 22 May,
2018, from: https://ehr.meditech.com/
Melonfire, C. (2006). Understanding the pros and cons of the Waterfall Model of software
development. Tech Republic. Retrieved 22 May, 2018, from:
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/understanding-the-pros-and-cons-of-the-waterfall-
model-of-software-development/
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