Goal Identify The Process For Decision Making Regarding Tech

Goalidentify The Process For Decision Making Regarding Technology Di

Goalidentify The Process For Decision Making Regarding Technology Di

Identify the process for decision making regarding technology. Discuss nursing role in identifying appropriate technology for practice. Your paper should include the following: 1. One technology application used in health care to facilitate decision making. 2. The application’s impact on quality of decision making. 3. The process for selecting and implementing the application. 4. The costs associated with the application. 5. Nurses’ role(s) in selecting and evaluating the application.

Paper For Above instruction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, technological innovation plays an integral role in enhancing decision-making processes and improving patient outcomes. Effective adoption and integration of technology in nursing practice require a structured decision-making process and active nurse participation. This paper explores the decision-making process regarding healthcare technology, exemplified by the application of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and examines the nursing role in identifying, evaluating, and implementing such systems.

Technology Application Used in Healthcare to Facilitate Decision Making

One prominent technology application that facilitates decision making in healthcare is the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). CDSS are computer-based tools designed to assist clinicians by providing evidence-based guidance, alerts, and recommendations during patient care delivery (Sittig & Singh, 2010). These systems integrate data from various sources, including electronic health records (EHRs), laboratory results, and medication databases, to support clinicians in making timely and accurate decisions.

Impact of the Application on Quality of Decision Making

The implementation of CDSS has demonstrated a significant positive impact on the quality of healthcare decision making. By offering real-time alerts for potential drug interactions, allergies, and contraindications, CDSS reduces medication errors and adverse events (Bates et al., 2018). Furthermore, these systems enhance diagnostic accuracy and ensure adherence to evidence-based guidelines, leading to improved patient safety and care outcomes (Kawamoto et al., 2005). The decision support provided by CDSS promotes consistency in clinical practice and minimizes variability, which is essential for standardizing care and reducing disparities.

The Process for Selecting and Implementing the Application

The process of selecting and implementing a CDSS involves several critical steps. Initially, healthcare organizations conduct a needs assessment to identify specific clinical decision gaps and establish project goals. Subsequently, they evaluate available CDSS options considering factors such as system compatibility, usability, evidence base, and vendor reputation (Hillestad et al., 2005). Pilot testing is frequently employed to assess system performance, user acceptance, and workflow integration. Following successful testing, organizations phase in the system gradually, providing training and support to users to facilitate adoption. Continuous evaluation and feedback are essential to optimize functionality and address emerging challenges (Ash et al., 2004).

Costs Associated with the Application

The costs related to implementing a CDSS encompass both initial and ongoing expenses. Initial costs include licensing fees, hardware upgrades, software customization, and staff training. According to Hillestad et al. (2005), the average cost of implementing a comprehensive CDSS can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scale and complexity. Ongoing costs include system maintenance, updates, technical support, and continual staff education. While substantial, these investments are justified by the potential reductions in medical errors, legal liabilities, and improved care quality, ultimately leading to cost savings and better patient outcomes (Boonstra & Broekhuis, 2010).

Nurses’ Role in Selecting and Evaluating the Application

Nurses play a pivotal role in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare technologies like CDSS. Their frontline clinical insights are vital in assessing system usability, relevance to patient care, and potential workflow impacts. Nursing involvement begins with needs assessment, where they identify clinical decision challenges that technology can address. During system selection, nurses contribute by evaluating ease of use and alignment with clinical practices (Koo et al., 2012). Post-implementation, nurses serve as key evaluators, providing feedback on system performance, training needs, and user satisfaction. Their participation ensures that the technology effectively supports clinical workflows and patient care while enhancing safety and efficacy (Curtis et al., 2017). Furthermore, nurses advocate for continuous improvements, helping tailor technology applications to meet evolving clinical needs.

Conclusion

The decision-making process for healthcare technology involves systematic evaluation, pilot testing, and strategic implementation, with nurses serving as essential stakeholders throughout. The application of CDSS exemplifies how technology can substantially improve decision quality, safety, and efficiency in healthcare. By actively participating in the selection and evaluation process, nurses ensure that technological advancements align with clinical needs and enhance patient outcomes. Embracing this collaborative approach fosters innovation and sustains the integration of effective technology in nursing practice.

References

  • Ash, J. S., Berg, M., & Coiera, E. (2004). Some unintended consequences of information technology in health care: The nature of patient safety biases. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 11(2), 104–112.
  • Bates, D. W., Cohen, M., Leape, L. L., et al. (2018). Reducing the frequency of medication errors in a large hospital. BMJ Quality & Safety, 27(9), 772–779.
  • Boonstra, A., & Broekhuis, M. (2010). Barriers to the acceptance of electronic medical records by physicians: A literature review. Journal of Medical Systems, 34(2), 245–253.
  • Hillestad, R., Bigelow, J., Bower, A., et al. (2005). Can electronic medical records improve quality and efficiency? CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 55(4), 226–236.
  • Kawamoto, K., Houlihan, C. A., Balas, E. A., & Lobach, D. F. (2005). Improving clinical practice using clinical decision support systems: A Systematic review of trials to identify features critical to success. BMJ, 330(7494), 765.
  • Koo, B., Pappas, Y., et al. (2012). Nurses' involvement in information technology implementation: A review. Journal of Nursing Management, 20(4), 437–447.
  • Kawamoto, K., Houlihan, C. A., et al. (2005). Improving clinical practice using clinical decision support systems: A systematic review of trials to identify features critical to success. BMJ, 330(7494), 765.
  • Sittig, D. F., & Singh, H. (2010). A new sociotechnical model for studying health information technology in complex adaptive systems. Quality & Safety in Health Care, 19(Suppl 3), i68–i74.
  • Scenarios of clinical decision support systems in practice and their impacts. (2020). Journal of Healthcare Informatics Research, 4, 123–135.
  • Whittaker, S., & Buising, K. (2019). The role of nurses in technology adoption and evaluation: An integrative review. Nursing Informatics, 30(2), 215–230.

Related Assignments