A subject matter expert (SME) is a person who has extensive and relevant knowledge in their career field. In information technology (IT), an SME will play a prominent role in implementation projects and ongoing support. SMEs utilize their years of experience and skill with enterprise software systems to help shape a company’s technology strategy.
In healthcare IT (HIT), an SME will typically have years of technical, clinical, or research experience and considerable skill with medical software like electronic health record (EHR) systems. It’s also common for SMEs in this field to be experts in health policy, regulations, and healthcare management.
What Are The Functions of a HIT SME?
A healthcare IT SME will perform several functions for their organization. This includes:
A subject matter expert will also solicit input from their co-workers to ensure that healthcare software meets the organization's needs. As a central point of contact, they should have direct access to decision-makers like a Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO), IT Director, and any project managers involved in software implementations.
How Do You Become a Subject Matter Expert?
In most cases, a person is designated as an SME by their colleagues in recognition of their knowledge and years of experience. There is no direct path to becoming a subject matter expert, but there are some common traits among those who have earned the title.
SMEs will have expertise in their healthcare specialty and a high level of skill with enterprise software and technology. They will have worked on software implementation projects, particularly in documenting processes and workflows. They are often certified in the technology that they are an SME on and are comfortable with supporting it.
Most SMEs also show an aptitude for project management. This includes the ability to set project milestones and deadlines, along with completing implementations on time.
How TempDev Can Help With SMEs
TempDev's team of NextGen consultants, developers, and trainers support are the Subject Matter Experts your organization needs whether you're looking to implement, switch, or even upgrade your current EHR system. From dashboards and revenue cycle consulting to automation and workflow redesign, TempDev offers the tools you need to make the most of your NextGen EHR system, with top tips and tricks that will ensure your success now and in the future.
With TempDev's NextGen dashboards, templates, and reports, you can better support your patients' needs. Our team is here to help you design, organize, and implement the whole system and is on hand to offer tips and guidance based on industry best practices.
Contact us here or by calling us at 888.TEMP.DEV to get the subject matter expertise needed to help move your organization forward.
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