Fractional CTO for Digital Mental Health
Reklame Health hired Red Corner to advise on the selection of an EMR and the custom development of a web product to optimize their back end and their patient experience so as to maintain a higher patient load per staff member while ensuring that the staff don't get overwhelmed.
Overview
Reklame Health, a burgeoning entity in the mental health sector, recognized the need to scale its operations effectively while maintaining a lean back-office structure. Central to this ambition was the optimization of their Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system and the development of a bespoke web experience for their patients. To achieve these objectives, Reklame Health made a strategic decision to bring on board Oshri Cohen, the founder of Red Corner, as their fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Problem
Absence of Technical Expertise and Leadership: Reklame Health operates without the guidance of experienced technical professionals or a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This gap in expertise hinders the company's ability to make informed decisions regarding technology investments, particularly in areas crucial for healthcare providers, such as data security, regulatory compliance, and efficient patient management systems.
Impending Expensive EMR Selection: The organization is on the cusp of selecting and implementing an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. This decision is fraught with risks due to the high costs involved and the critical nature of EMR systems in managing patient information, treatment planning, and billing. The lack of technical leadership increases the risk of choosing an EMR system that may not align with the specific needs of Reklame Health, potentially leading to inflated costs, operational inefficiencies, and compliance issues.
Plans to Hire a Custom Development Agency for Web Products: Reklame Health intends to hire an external agency to develop ambitious web-based products aimed at enhancing patient experience and engagement. The absence of in-house technical expertise raises concerns about the company's ability to effectively manage and oversee such a project. This situation could lead to misaligned product outcomes, inflated development costs, and extended timelines, impacting the overall quality and effectiveness of the patient engagement tools.
Decision Point
Reklame Health, a burgeoning entity in the mental health sector, recognized the need to scale its operations effectively while maintaining a lean back-office structure. Central to this ambition was the optimization of their Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system and the development of a bespoke web experience for their patients. To achieve these objectives, Reklame Health made a strategic decision to bring on board Oshri Cohen, the founder of Red Corner, as their fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Solution
Absence of Technical Expertise and Leadership: Reklame Health operates without the guidance of experienced technical professionals or a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This gap in expertise hinders the company's ability to make informed decisions regarding technology investments, particularly in areas crucial for healthcare providers, such as data security, regulatory compliance, and efficient patient management systems.
Impending Expensive EMR Selection: The organization is on the cusp of selecting and implementing an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. This decision is fraught with risks due to the high costs involved and the critical nature of EMR systems in managing patient information, treatment planning, and billing. The lack of technical leadership increases the risk of choosing an EMR system that may not align with the specific needs of Reklame Health, potentially leading to inflated costs, operational inefficiencies, and compliance issues.
Plans to Hire a Custom Development Agency for Web Products: Reklame Health intends to hire an external agency to develop ambitious web-based products aimed at enhancing patient experience and engagement. The absence of in-house technical expertise raises concerns about the company's ability to effectively manage and oversee such a project. This situation could lead to misaligned product outcomes, inflated development costs, and extended timelines, impacting the overall quality and effectiveness of the patient engagement tools.
Red Corner Impact
Over a productive collaboration spanning just over six months, Red Corner significantly influenced the technological trajectory and operational efficiency of Reklame Health. Their strategic interventions and expert guidance yielded impactful results in several key areas:
EMR Selection:Red Corner's adept selection process led to the identification and implementation of an ideal Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for Reklame Health. This system, notable for its compatibility with the FHIR API protocol, offers not just a robust framework for current needs but also the flexibility to extend and integrate additional functionalities in the future. This foresight in selecting a scalable and adaptable EMR system positions Reklame Health to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape.
Cancellation of Low-Value Project:Perhaps one of the most significant impacts was Red Corner's critical evaluation and subsequent recommendation to cancel a major development project. By identifying the low value proposition of this project and backing this insight with market research, Red Corner helped Reklame Health avert a potentially unwise investment of over one million dollars. This decision not only saved substantial financial resources but also allowed the company to redirect its focus and funds towards more strategic, high-impact initiatives.
Accurate Engineering and Technology Budgets:Red Corner's expertise was further manifested in their provision of precise and detailed engineering and technology budgets. These budgets, tailored to various operational and hiring strategies, equipped Reklame Health with the financial clarity and flexibility needed to make informed decisions. This planning was instrumental for the company in securing funding and planning future expansions, particularly in a landscape where judicious financial management is key to sustainability and growth.
At the conclusion of this partnership, Reklame Health has emerged not only technologically stronger and more strategically positioned but also with a newfound operational independence. The absence of a full-time CTO, which once seemed like a critical gap, is no longer a pressing concern. Red Corner's contributions have endowed Reklame Health with the tools, systems, and strategies to operate effectively, maintain technological agility, and continue scaling without the immediate need for a full-time CTO. This enduring impact underscores Red Corner's role as not just a consultant but a transformative agent, enabling Reklame Health to navigate its path with confidence and foresight.
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