The challenges of implementing a cardiovascular information system.

The past decade has seen the expansion of the cardiac catheterization laboratory's hemodynamic monitoring system from an instrument for capturing essential physiologic information to the hub of an integrated cardiovascular information system. This evolution has increased the complexity of equipment replacement and necessitates a structured, coordinated effort across multiple hospital departments. This article describes the experience of AnMed Health Medical Center (Anderson, SC) in acquiring and implementing its cardiovascular information system and how proactive planning helped minimize the investment risk.