Assume that you have been tasked with developing a plan to assess the value of Southeast's investment in the Epic outpatient and inpatient systems and expansion of its use of the data warehouse. The board is interested in knowing how these new and replacement systems have affected or will affect Southeast's ability to offer coordinated, collaborative care in a cost-effective manner. The facility fully intends to meet the Meaningful Use criteria and report on quality outcomes. They realize that the traditional fee-for-service system in which providers are paid on volume will be a thing of the past.

Questions

1. How will you identify the costs of the investment in order to develop a financial business case?
2. How will you quantify the tangible and intangible benefits of the proposed investment?
3. Would a financial case rationale be sufficient? How will you develop a strategic business case for the same investment?