This One Component Can Transform Your PDR and Revolutionize Your Health IT Project

Shereese Maynard
4 min readApr 30, 2024

A thorough Product Definition Review (PDR) for healthcare IT solutions demands preparation and effective communication in outlining the project’s objectives. Equally crucial is defining the “Non-goals”—the elements intentionally excluded from the project scope. Today, let’s explore the significance of non-goals in shaping healthcare IT solutions, shedding light on how this approach can drive targeted, prosperous results.

Understanding Non-goals

Non-goals are specific exclusions that help project teams maintain focus on their primary objectives. In the context of health IT, where the scope of what could be developed is vast and complex, defining what a project will not address is crucial. It can be the difference between hitting your project goals and failing in scope. Non-goals help in setting realistic expectations and boundaries for the project scope.

The Strategic Value of Non-goals

1. Clarity and Focus: By stating what is out of scope, teams can focus more intensely on the project's core objectives. This clarity helps avoid feature creep—the progressive expansion of capabilities beyond the original objectives, often at the expense of the primary goals. Think of it in terms of project team creativity; everyone…

--

--

Shereese Maynard

Digital Health Professional. "Health IT Strategist | @BeckersHealthcare Top Women to Know | Speaker & Consultant | Helping Healthcare Innovate & Succeed