There has been much said about how programmers and the software industry have done medicine wrong, particularly with the alert-laden, click-hampered, non-interoperable EHR systems (Don't get me started on EMRs. That will be another rant on another day.).

That sounds funny, but I don't, at all, take it lightly. It makes me mad as hell.

It's not a clear-cut issue but as a software developer, I tend to agree that medicine was not well served.

Yes, there are a lot of big failings. Yes, there are a lot of benefits. There are. I'm not sure they out-weigh the failings, yet, but they exist.

From my perspective, the biggest failing is that the system design was clearly not inclusive. It wasn't personal. As many software initiatives do, these focused on tracking money and failed the frontline users of the system. This happens to other industries, as well.

Here is what I wish you knew from all of the projects I've seen:

Stakeholders, I know you already speak up. Keep advocating for yourselves. Keep letting the institution leaders and consultants know your voices need to be heard, your workflows need to be taken into account.

Consultants, be more resilient to the demands of the institution leaders. They have strong points of view and strong wills, but they need your guidance. They need your push back, especially on behalf of the employees, patients, and other stakeholders they don't necessarily see.

Institution leaders, I want you to know that you are leaving a stack of dollars, in front of a fan, next to an open window. Some of you are seeing the consequences. Look for consultants who are willing to push back and offer new perspectives. Try to identify all of your stakeholders. Ask for help within your organization. Ask your frontline. Your whole organization will benefit.