HCM 520 Case Study 4: Write A 2–3 Page Paper ✓ Solved

HCM 520 Case Study #4 You are to write a 2-3 page paper

Write a 2-3 page paper, in APA formatting (with a proper cover page, well-organized paper with source citations, and an APA reference list—which do not count towards the page count requirement), which addresses the case questions. Your answer must be supplemented with research from your book, CDC, NIH, and other quality sources to determine answers and solutions. Note: You must use a minimum of three references in your responses, and at least one of them must be from the provided resources listed at the end of this assignment. This is a paper, so your answer should not be numbered, but rather you should use titles and subtitles.

Health Information Technology Analysis: Phil Jones is the CEO of a 200-bed hospital in the Midwest. His hospital is currently using IT to assist in billing and in managing the purchase and use of medical supplies. Individual electronic systems have been implemented in the pharmacy, laboratories, and radiology department. He is aware that money from the federal government will become available beginning in 2011 for hospitals that can demonstrate “meaningful use” of a certified electronic health record (EHR), and penalties will be applied beginning in 2015 for hospitals that fail to meet this standard. The hospital’s physicians have made it clear that they will not accept any EHR, which requires that they spend additional time doing their work. However, every study that Phil has read says that physicians will need to spend more time, at least in the beginning. They will also need to invest time helping the hospital select a system and advising on how to customize it before it is implemented. In conversations with his chief information officer and hospital board of directors, Phil has developed several options to overcome this hurdle:

• Hire a physician to work as Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) to engage with the physicians and do some of the work in selection and implementation of an EHR system. Questions regarding this approach include the following: Should the position be filled by a current physician or someone from another hospital with experience in IT? Should he or she be full time or practice medicine part time? Will the medical staff respect someone who has stopped practicing?
• Pay physicians during the first few months to attend training sessions, vendor presentations, and other meetings.
• Hire additional doctors to work as temporary backups for the current physicians.
• Train nurses to serve as “super-users” of the new EHR system and assist nurses and doctors in its use. And, here, should these be younger nurses who may be more comfortable with technology or older nurses who might command the respect of their peers?

The board has made it clear that the hospital cannot afford all of these measures. However, it has also made it clear that the hospital should not, under any circumstances, fail to receive the federal stimulus funds, starting in 2011. As the next board meeting approaches, Phil begins drafting his recommendation.

Case Study Questions: Using the information presented in the above case, answer the following questions:

1. List the concerns of physicians as they learn about the hospital’s impending adoption of an EHR. Which are the most important and must be addressed?
2. Should the hospital pay the physicians to participate in a process that will improve patient care?
3. What should the nursing staff’s role be in the selection and implementation of the EHR?

Sources: (Use at least one reference from this list in your responses) Mapping Sources for Information on Health Information Technology. eHealth Initiative. (2010). States with operational HIE initiatives. The state of health information exchange in 2010: Connecting the nation to achieve meaningful use. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Offices of the National Coordinator, Health Information Technology. (2010). State health information exchange cooperative agreement program. CMS. (2013). The Official Web Site for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Programs. HITECH. (2013). ABOUT HealthIT.gov. Glandon, G. L., Smaltz, D. H., & Slovensky, D. J. (2008). Information systems for healthcare management (7th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. Kropf, F., & Scalzi, G. (2007). Making information technology work: Maximizing the benefits for health care organizations. Chicago, IL: Health Forum, American Hospital Association. Wager, K. A., Lee, F. W., & Glaser, J. P. (2005). Managing health care information systems: A practical approach for health care executives. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems presents both opportunities and challenges for healthcare organizations. As Phil Jones, the CEO of a 200-bed hospital in the Midwest, prepares for the impending adoption of an EHR system, it is paramount to consider the concerns raised by the physicians, the role of nursing staff in this transition, and the ethical implications of compensating physicians for their participation in training and implementation processes.

Concerns of Physicians Regarding EHR Adoption

Physicians have expressed several concerns regarding the imminent adoption of an EHR system. Key concerns include:

• Time Constraints: Physicians are apprehensive about the time required to adapt to a new EHR system. They fear that any additional documentation or data entry will detract from the time spent with patients, leading to a decline in the quality of care.
• Usability: Many physicians are skeptical about the usability of the proposed EHR systems. They worry that poorly designed interfaces will be cumbersome and difficult to navigate, resulting in frustration and reduced productivity.
• Training and Support: The apprehension concerning the adequacy of training and ongoing support is prevalent among physicians. They fear that insufficient training will lead to improper utilization of the system and ultimately hinder their effectiveness.
• Potential Penalties: With upcoming penalties for non-compliance post-2015, physicians are anxious about the implications of not meeting federal standards for meaningful use, which could impact hospital funding.

Addressing these concerns is vital, as they can significantly affect the adoption process and the overall success of the EHR implementation. The most pressing issues, particularly time constraints and usability, must be prioritized to foster acceptance and ensure that the system serves as an enhancement rather than a hindrance to patient care.

Compensation for Physician Participation

One of the proposed strategies to alleviate physician concerns is to compensate them for participating in the process that leads to improved patient care. Paying physicians to attend training sessions, vendor presentations, and other meetings should be considered due to several compelling reasons:

• Incentivizing Engagement: Financial compensation may motivate physicians to engage more critically in the EHR selection and implementation processes.
• Improving Buy-in: By compensating physicians, the hospital may foster a sense of ownership over the new system, which could translate into greater acceptance and cooperation during implementation.
• Enhancing Skill Development: Monetary investment in training ensures that physicians are adequately prepared to utilize the EHR, ultimately benefiting patient care.

While some may argue that compensating physicians could set a precedent for expecting payment for participation in ongoing quality improvement initiatives, the potential for optimizing patient care and ensuring a successful transition to EHRs may justify this approach.

Nursing Staff's Role in EHR Implementation

The nursing staff plays a significant role in the adoption and implementation of EHR systems. Their involvement is critical for several reasons:

• Super-user Training: Nurses can be trained as "super-users" who assist in the EHR's day-to-day operations. These individuals can provide essential feedback on usability, helping to identify challenges early in the implementation process.
• Peer Support: Given that nurses frequently interact with both patients and technology, they can serve as peer trainers to promote comfort with the new EHR among other staff members.
• Improved Communication: Nurses can facilitate communication between physicians and administrative staff, ensuring that the EHR system meets clinical needs and operational workflows effectively.

The choice of super-users should consider the existing staff's technological proficiency and peer respect. Training younger, tech-savvy nurses could foster acceptance, although incorporating experienced nurses who can command respect and influence a positive culture around the new system is also crucial.

Conclusion

Phil Jones faces a significant challenge as he prepares for the hospital’s transition to EHR systems. By addressing physician concerns, considering compensation for participation, and leveraging the nursing staff's strengths, the hospital can enhance its chances of successful EHR adoption. The right strategies will not only comply with federal regulations but also enhance the overall quality of care delivered to patients.

References

• Glandon, G. L., Smaltz, D. H., & Slovensky, D. J. (2008). Information systems for healthcare management (7th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.
• Kropf, F., & Scalzi, G. (2007). Making information technology work: Maximizing the benefits for health care organizations. Chicago, IL: Health Forum, American Hospital Association.
• Wager, K. A., Lee, F. W., & Glaser, J. P. (2005). Managing health care information systems: A practical approach for health care executives. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• CMS. (2013). The Official Web Site for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Programs.
• HITECH. (2013). ABOUT HealthIT.gov.
• eHealth Initiative. (2010). States with operational HIE initiatives.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Offices of the National Coordinator, Health Information Technology. (2010). The state of health information exchange in 2010: Connecting the nation to achieve meaningful use.
• CMS. (2010). State health information exchange cooperative agreement program.
• HealthIT.gov. (2010). Incentives for implementing EHRs.
• Katz, M. (2011). The impact of electronic health records on healthcare productivity. Journal of Health Care Management, 56(1), 45-54.