In the context of EHR implementation, which activity is commonly part of initial planning?

• A. Identifying stakeholders
• B. Developing a production rollout calendar
• C. Hiring marketing experts
• D. Creating patient education pamphlets

Answer: (A)

Identifying stakeholders is essential early because it establishes who has decision-making authority, who will be affected, and who should contribute to shaping how the EHR will be implemented. Engaging clinicians, nurses, IT staff, administrators, privacy/compliance officers, and others from the outset ensures their needs, workflows, and concerns are understood, which guides requirements, governance, and the change-management approach. This foundation helps define goals, scope, and success criteria and sets up effective communication and buy-in for the project.

Developing a production rollout calendar is important, but it comes after the governance and stakeholder input to ensure milestones reflect realistic timelines and user needs. Hiring marketing experts isn’t central to the internal planning and adoption aspects of an EHR rollout. Creating patient education pamphlets is part of patient-facing preparation that typically occurs as the system goes live or after, when patients encounter new processes and information.