Which activity is *least* helpful for the success of an EHR implementation?

Scheduling the go-live date for a Monday, when everyone is fresh, may seem beneficial at first glance, as it aligns with when staff would typically be rested and ready to start their week afresh. However, it can be the least helpful because Mondays are often busy and chaotic as staff catch up from the weekend. This may lead to increased stress among staff, which can detract from their focus on learning the new electronic health record (EHR) system.

In contrast, scheduling the go-live on a Friday allows the staff to transition into the new system at a slower pace, with the weekend providing an opportunity for them to adjust and familiarize themselves with any challenges that arise over the then quieter weekend.

Extensive staff training before the rollout ensures that employees are adequately prepared to use the new system, which ultimately aids in minimizing disruptions. Testing the system with a small group of users before a wider rollout also helps identify potential problems and generates feedback that can be crucial for a smoother implementation.