The Critical Nature of Healthcare Go-Lives

In healthcare IT, Go-Live events represent some of the most critical moments in a system's lifecycle. When transitioning from legacy systems to new platforms, there's no room for error. Patient care continues 24/7, and any system downtime or performance issues can directly impact clinical workflows and patient safety.

My Go-Live Support Methodology

Throughout my career at NYU Langone, Healthix, and SCA Health, I've developed a comprehensive approach to Go-Live support that ensures smooth transitions:

Pre-Go-Live Preparation

• Comprehensive Testing: Rigorous testing of all system components, interfaces, and workflows
• User Training: Extensive training programs for end-users, including hands-on practice sessions
• Contingency Planning: Detailed rollback procedures and emergency response protocols
• Performance Baseline: Establishing performance benchmarks and monitoring thresholds

During Go-Live

• 24/7 Command Center: Real-time monitoring and immediate issue resolution
• Rapid Response Teams: On-site technical teams ready to address any issues
• Escalation Procedures: Clear communication channels and decision-making hierarchies
• Performance Monitoring: Continuous system performance tracking and optimization

Notable Go-Live Success Stories

Epic Implementation at NYU Langone

Led the Go-Live support for Epic Beaker laboratory information system across multiple NYU Langone facilities. This involved coordinating with laboratory staff, IT teams, and clinical leadership to ensure seamless transition from the legacy system. Key achievements included:

• Zero unplanned downtime during the 72-hour Go-Live window
• 98% user satisfaction rate in post-implementation surveys
• 25% improvement in laboratory result turnaround times within the first month

Health Information Exchange at Healthix

Managed the Go-Live of new HIE capabilities connecting over 150 healthcare facilities across New York. This complex implementation required coordinating with multiple EHR vendors and ensuring HIPAA compliance throughout the transition.

Key Success Factors

Based on my experience managing multiple Go-Live events, several factors consistently contribute to success:

1. Stakeholder Communication: Regular updates and transparent communication with all stakeholders
2. Phased Approach: When possible, implementing systems in phases to minimize risk
3. User Champions: Identifying and training super-users who can support their colleagues
4. Continuous Monitoring: Real-time system monitoring and proactive issue identification
5. Post-Go-Live Support: Extended support periods to address adoption challenges

Lessons Learned

Every Go-Live presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. Some key insights from my experience:

• Plan for the Unexpected: Despite thorough testing, production environments can behave differently
• User Adoption is Critical: Technical success means nothing without user acceptance
• Communication is Everything: Over-communication is better than under-communication
• Culture Change Takes Time: Allow adequate time for workflow adaptation and culture change

Looking Forward

As healthcare technology continues to evolve, Go-Live strategies must adapt to new challenges including cloud migrations, API integrations, and AI implementations. My approach continues to evolve, incorporating lessons learned and industry best practices to ensure successful implementations in an increasingly complex healthcare IT landscape.