DMHRSwhy? The Value of the Defense Medical Human Resource System-Internet (DMHRSi) to the Military Health System (MHS)

: The Military Health System (MHS) uses a variety of systems and processes to manage its most important asset its people. Chief among the systems employed to do this is the Defense Medical Human Resource System-internet (DMHRSi). DMHRSi has been fully operational for more than five years now, but the overall value of this system has not been assessed. In light of ongoing fiscal challenges, a new MHS governance structure, and a strategic shift toward Joint medical operations, now is the time to ensure DMHRSi is the best value for the MHS. This paper provides an overview of DMHRSi, identifies both its benefits and costs, assesses its current value, and recommends strategies to improve its value as the MHS adapts to a changing operating environment. The benefits and costs were identified through an evaluation of MHS policies and procedures, and interviews with key personnel at medical treatment facilities, Service headquarters agencies, and the Defense Health Agency. The system s overall value was assessed through a benefit-cost analysis that used both quantitative and qualitative factors, including direct expenses, personnel time, and opportunity costs.