Successful Implementation Of Electronic Health Information ✓ Solved

Successful Implementation Of Electronic Health Information Technologys

Successful Implementation of Electronic Health Information Technology Since the inception of the HITECH Act, health organizations have faced increased pressure to update their health information technology (HIT) resources. As discussed last week, many believe that the increased use of electronic health records and the quick and efficient communication afforded by HIT can lead to improved quality of patient care. Yet there are significant costs associated with implementing such systems. What can organizations do to ensure that the correct system is selected and that the system will be appropriate for those required to use it? Who should be involved in those decisions?

This week introduces the systems development life cycle and discusses how it can guide an organization through the complexities of adopting a new HIT system. In this Discussion, you are asked to consider the role of nurses in the SDLC process. To prepare: · Review the steps of the systems development life cycle. · Think about your own organization, or one with which you are familiar, and the steps the organization goes through when purchasing and implementing a new HIT system. · Consider what a nurse could contribute to decisions made at each stage when planning for new health information technology. What might be the consequences of not involving nurses? · Reflect on your own experiences with your organization selecting and implementing new technology. As an end user, do you feel you had any input in the selection or and planning of the new HIT system? Post on or before Day 1. an analysis of the ramifications of an organization not involving nurses in each stage of the systems development life cycle ( Feasibility, Analysis, Design, Implement, Test, & Maintain ) when purchasing and implementing a new HIT system. 2. Give specific examples of potential issues at each stage and how the inclusion of nurses could help avoid such issues. 3.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The successful implementation of electronic health information technology (HIT) is a complex process that requires careful planning and stakeholder involvement, particularly from nursing professionals. The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) provides a structured framework that guides organizations through the stages of planning, designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining new HIT systems. Excluding nurses from each stage of the SDLC can lead to significant operational and clinical issues that undermine the system’s effectiveness and usability.

During the feasibility stage, organizations assess whether the proposed HIT system is economically viable and aligns with organizational goals. If nurses are excluded from this stage, the organization may underestimate the clinical workload or overlook workflow complexities. For example, nurses often have insights into daily clinical routines; dismissing their input could result in a system that does not support their workflow, leading to decreased efficiency or increased errors.

In the analysis phase, requirements gathering occurs. Nurses can contribute vital information about patient care processes, documentation needs, and communication flows. Without their input, the system might lack critical features, such as quick access to patient information or support for clinical decision-making, which are essential for high-quality care. An example is the failure to include decision-support tools tailored to nursing workflows, which could compromise patient safety.

During the design stage, the system’s architecture is developed. Nurses’ involvement ensures that interface designs are user-friendly and align with clinical practices. Lack of nursing input may lead to interfaces that are unintuitive, increasing the risk of user frustration and errors. For instance, poorly designed documentation screens can result in longer charting times, reducing face-to-face patient contact.

The implementation phase involves deploying the system into the clinical setting. Nurses serve as end users who can help identify practical issues that arise during initial rollout. Without their feedback, problems such as inadequate training or overlooked workflow disruptions may go unaddressed, causing delays and increasing resistance to system adoption.

Testing the system with actual users—including nurses—is essential before full deployment. Their participation ensures real-world issues are identified early. Ignoring their role can result in unrecognized bugs or interface problems that compromise patient safety. For example, if nurses are not involved, critical documentation functions might not be tested adequately, risking incomplete or inaccurate records.

Finally, during the maintenance phase, ongoing support and updates are necessary. Nurses can inform system updates based on evolving clinical needs. If their input is not sought, the system may become outdated or less effective, leading to decreased user satisfaction and potential safety risks. Routine feedback from nurses helps ensure the HIT system remains aligned with clinical practice requirements.

Overall, the inclusion of nurses throughout each stage of the SDLC fosters a user-centered approach that enhances system usability, safety, and acceptance. Their hands-on experience in patient care is invaluable in identifying potential issues early and ensuring the system supports high-quality nursing practice. Conversely, excluding nurses risks implementing systems that are theoretically sound but practically unfit for the clinical environment, ultimately affecting patient outcomes and staff efficiency.

References

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