Standardization Battle

Standardization is considered by some an evil word while by others it is considered a blessing. For me, in the world of healthcare information technology it is a blessing. I am a conformist battling against the non-conformists of healthcare who think that they are unique, different, and must be considered very very special.

A standard is considered an 'approved' model in which to go by. When it comes to data, data collection, data repositories, data mining, data integrity, and/or simply data management standardization is like the heavenly light shining through a hole in the dark overcasting clouds.

My life implementing software for healthcare can be an uphill battle in trying to impose a form of standard. Very often there is already a practice of standards within the organization yet those darn nonconformists stomp their feet and insist that they must be special!

I would love to get into more detail but I value my job and don't want to risk any further name calling here so I will leave this where it is.....but on a last note : Data today is as valuable as the computer you type it into. It is an asset to the business. Would you use a cheaply built poorly designed computer to capture your data? A computer that makes your job harder, less efficient, and cumbersome? A computer that breaks every day? And you can't figure out what is wrong with it because no one understands how it works or why it was designed that way?.....hmmmm...... I would prefer to use the standard PC that every else is using because it works well, is efficient, never breaks, and if something looks fishy there are people that know how to fix it.

The End.

~E