Requesting Emergency Health IT Changes

In healthcare settings, urgent IT changes may be necessary to address critical service disruptions or security threats. These changes help restore essential services promptly while minimizing risks to patient care and hospital operations.

Criteria for Emergency Changes

Submit an emergency change request when facing high-priority situations such as:

Critical system or software outages affecting patient care
Security vulnerabilities posing immediate risks
Required temporary fixes to maintain operations until permanent solutions are implemented

Emergency changes are exceptions and should not replace the standard change management process.

Submission Process

To request an emergency change, follow these steps:

Submit a high-priority service desk ticket detailing:
- The issue or vulnerability
- Justification for the emergency change
- Proposed changes, including rollout, downtime, and contingency plans
The IT Change Manager will expedite the review
If approved, execute the change as directed
The emergency Change Advisory Board (CAB) will assess further actions

Emergency changes require approval from IT leadership and relevant healthcare stakeholders.

Implementation Guidelines

When executing an approved emergency change, ensure compliance with these guidelines:

Assemble a qualified team for rapid deployment
Prepare and validate rollback plans
Communicate effectively about impacts and downtime
Adhere to operational protocols, including testing and peer reviews
Maintain thorough documentation throughout the process

Emergency changes are subject to post-implementation audits, so detailed records are essential. Don't hesitate to initiate an emergency change request when necessary, as the IT team is committed to maintaining healthcare service continuity.