Curtis Hill Assignment 012 Interview Preparation Health ✓ Solved

Curtis Hillassignment 012 Interview Preparationha3220d Health Info

Having been assigned the duty to interview a healthcare professional concerning the implementation of computer software in their workplace, I decided to use an interview method of correcting data. The primary goal of this interview is to ascertain the perception of professional healthcare providers towards the implementation of computer software in care provision (Bjerke, 2007). The interview will also ascertain challenges a healthcare provider faces in implementing computer software and the solution techniques an organization applies in addressing challenges healthcare personnel faces in implementing computer software.

I decided to conduct an oral interview in person since it is an essential technique of data collection. It is a direct method of acquiring first-hand information. It provides voice modulations, facial expressions, and gestures, which can also be a source of information. Having interacted with a new workflow software system, I selected the senior-most healthcare provider since she is the one in charge of the software implementation. The assignment will provide the results of Mrs. Linda, a nursing director at Mayo hospital in the United States, on a face-to-face interview held on 10/10/2020 at 10:00 am.

The interview provides information on healthcare perception of a new workflow software system in her department. The results of the interview are from answers to questions about the old system, the decision to adopt the new software, comparison between the systems, strategies used during implementation, challenges faced, and the duration of the implementation process. Mrs. Linda explained that the old system lacked solutions for emergency cases and made it difficult to retrieve nurses' information, prompting the hospital to develop a new workflow software after consulting various departments and involving newly employed nurses in the process.

Mrs. Linda highlighted that the new system offers numerous advantages, such as enabling fast and effective communication regarding goals, agendas, work plans, and challenges faced by nurses (Fan & Wu, 2002). This improved communication has helped healthcare providers respond more quickly and efficiently to emergencies compared to the old system. However, the implementation faced challenges, especially due to the hospital's predominantly older nursing staff, which caused resistance and fear of adaptation. Integration with existing hospital systems also posed difficulties.

The implementation took more than three months, during which training programs were conducted for senior nurses and other staff to foster familiarity and effective use of the new system. Special programs targeted older nurses to address their apprehensions. External computer experts helped ensure smooth integration. These efforts contributed to users' confidence and acceptance of the new workflow software system, ultimately improving hospital operations.

Paper For Above Instructions

The implementation of new healthcare information systems plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and quality of patient care. As illustrated by the interview with Mrs. Linda, a nursing director at Mayo Hospital, successful integration of new software involves understanding staff perceptions, addressing challenges proactively, and engaging personnel through comprehensive training. This essay discusses the importance of healthcare information systems (HIS), the challenges faced during implementation, strategies to overcome resistance, and the overall impact on healthcare delivery.

The Significance of Healthcare Information Systems

Healthcare Information Systems (HIS) are integral to modern healthcare, supporting clinical, administrative, and financial functions (Buntin et al., 2011). HIS facilitates accurate data management, streamlined workflows, and enhanced communication among healthcare providers. The transition from traditional paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs) and workflow management systems has been driven by the need to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure timely access to patient information (Doctor et al., 2013).

Mrs. Linda’s account exemplifies how HIS can revolutionize hospital operations by enabling quick communication during emergencies, improving information retrieval, and fostering collaboration across departments. The new workflow software address disadvantages of previous systems, such as delays in emergency response and difficulty in accessing nursing records, thereby directly impacting patient outcomes.

Challenges in Implementing Healthcare Information Systems

The implementation process often encounters resistance, especially from staff unaccustomed to technological change. Mrs. Linda highlighted that older nurses were hesitant and feared job displacement or errors due to unfamiliarity with the new system. Resistance to change is a common barrier, rooted in fear, lack of training, or perceived complexity (Gagnon et al., 2012). Additionally, technical challenges, such as integrating new software with existing hospital systems, delays, and technical glitches, can impede progress (Kellermann & Jones, 2013).

Furthermore, organizational culture influences the success of HIS adoption. Healthcare staff need to perceive the system as beneficial, user-friendly, and aligned with their workflow (Van der Vaart et al., 2015). Without these perceptions, implementation may be fragmentary or unsuccessful, leading to wasted resources and reduced staff morale.

Strategies for Effective Implementation and Resistance Management

To address resistance, engaging staff early, providing targeted training, and involving users in the development and customization of the system are crucial strategies. As Mrs. Linda mentioned, specialized training programs for senior nurses helped alleviate fears by demonstrating system benefits and building confidence. Including nurses in training workshops fostered a sense of ownership and acceptance.

Change management theories emphasize communication, participation, and support (Kotter, 1998). The hospital’s approach of consulting various departments and employing external experts to ensure effective system integration aligns with these principles. It is also vital to recognize that ongoing training, technical support, and feedback mechanisms are essential for sustaining system use and addressing emerging challenges.

The Impact of HIS on Healthcare Delivery

Implementing effective HIS significantly improves healthcare quality by ensuring real-time access to accurate patient data, facilitating better clinical decisions, and reducing medical errors (Boonstra et al., 2014). The enhanced communication capabilities, as highlighted by Mrs. Linda, enable quicker responses during emergencies, ultimately saving lives.

Moreover, HIS can improve administrative efficiency, reduce paperwork, and streamline resource management (Yao et al., 2020). As staff become more familiar with the system, workflows become more efficient, allowing healthcare workers to devote more time to patient care rather than administrative tasks.

Despite associated challenges, the benefits of healthcare information systems, especially in critical care settings, considerably outweigh the hurdles. Proper planning, staff engagement, adequate training, and addressing technical issues are critical success factors (Peters et al., 2019).

Conclusion

The interview with Mrs. Linda underscores the importance of strategic planning and staff involvement when implementing healthcare IT systems. Resistance from staff, particularly older nurses, can be mitigated through targeted training and inclusive change management strategies. The positive impact on communication, emergency response, and data retrieval demonstrates the value of HIS in modern healthcare settings. As healthcare continues to evolve digitally, ongoing investment in user training, technical support, and system evaluation will be vital in realizing the full potential of health information technology.

References

• Bjerke, B. (2007). Face-to-Face Research: Interviews, Conversations and Dialogues. The principles of knowledge creation: Research methods in the social sciences, 225.
• Boonstra, A., Versluis, A., & Vos, J. F. (2014). Nine endeavors to improve healthcare information technology adoption. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 14, 83.
• Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D. (2011). The Benefits Of Health Information Technology: A Review Of The Recent Literature Shows Predominantly Positive Results. Health Affairs, 30(3), 464-471.
• Doctor, P., et al. (2013). Effectiveness of electronic health record systems in improving patient safety and health care quality. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 4(4), 351-368.
• Gagnon, M. P., et al. (2012). Adoption of information technology in healthcare: Review and future perspectives. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 45(3), 516-531.
• Kellermann, A. L., & Jones, S. S. (2013). What It Will Take To Achieve The As-Yet-Unfulfilled Promises Of Health Information Technology. Health Affairs, 32(1), 63-68.
• Kotter, J. P. (1998). Leading change. Harvard Business Press.
• Peters, M., et al. (2019). Factors influencing the adoption of health information technology in hospitals: a systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 565.
• Van der Vaart, R., et al. (2015). Barriers and facilitators of electronic health record adoption: a systematic review. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 15, 1-15.
• Yao, L., et al. (2020). Impact of health information technology on hospital performance: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Systems, 44, 123.