Determining costs related to EHR acquisition and implementation is an example of which analysis type?

The process of determining costs related to electronic health record (EHR) acquisition and implementation falls under the category of a cost-benefit feasibility study. This type of analysis focuses specifically on evaluating the financial implications of a project by comparing the associated costs to the expected benefits. In the context of EHR systems, this analysis helps organizations understand their investment requirements, including both initial acquisition costs and ongoing operational costs, while simultaneously assessing the anticipated advantages, such as improved efficiencies, better patient care, and potential financial returns.

Conducting a cost-benefit feasibility study is crucial for healthcare organizations contemplating EHR implementation, as it enables decision-makers to make informed choices based on projected financial outcomes. It answers key questions about whether the long-term benefits outweigh the immediate expenditures, thereby supporting strategic planning and resource allocation.

Other analysis types, while related, focus on different aspects. For example, a benefits realization study primarily examines how the expected benefits have materialized post-implementation, while a goal-setting exercise focuses on establishing specific objectives to be achieved. Similarly, a productivity improvement study assesses enhancements in operational efficiency but does not explicitly evaluate the financial costs versus benefits of EHR implementation.