Prepare a useful healthcare software demonstration

Bring the right people and questions

A useful demonstration starts with the work your facility needs to perform. Invite the people who understand that work and the people responsible for operating the software. Choose a small set of tasks to follow from start to finish instead of evaluating only the appearance of individual screens.

Use synthetic examples

Prepare fictional registration details, appointments, orders and billing scenarios. Do not upload real patient records into a public form or an environment whose data-handling arrangements have not been agreed. Ask which parts of the demonstration use sample data, simulated integrations or a live product version.

Separate observations from promises

Record what you actually see, what requires configuration, what is planned and what is unavailable. Ask for the version being demonstrated and which capabilities are included in the proposed quote. A demonstration does not establish production readiness, certification or compatibility with all existing systems.

Agree the next step

Write down questions that need evidence, the owner of each action and the conditions for a pilot or implementation decision. Confirm language needs, training, hosting, access control and service arrangements before entering a contract. Use the OPES demo request form to describe your priorities; the team can then propose an evaluation scope.

Related planning resource

The WHO Digital Implementation Investment Guide is a useful starting point for organising a needs-based implementation plan. Our checklist above is practical editorial guidance, not a claim of WHO approval.

WHO: Digital Implementation Investment Guide