Implementing a perinatal clinical information system: a work in progress

Implementation of a clinical information system is a work in progress. There are many factors to consider, including (a) clearly defining the scope of the project and associated goals, (b) identifying background, skills, and beliefs of the key players, (c) assessing the unit's strengths and weaknesses, (d) assessing the current documentation's strengths and weaknesses, (e) assessing the clinical information system's strengths and weaknesses, (f) determining the project's constraints, and (g) discussing different implementation strategies. This article describes how these factors were considered during implementation of a clinical information system in a labor and delivery unit.