Week 2 Project Duenov 25 2020 10:59 PM Information Man

Week 2 Project Duenov 25 2020 1059 Pmnsg3039 Information Managemen

Develop a change proposal for a new technology that will contribute to a safer patient environment in a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style. Address the following criteria:

• Describe how the change proposal for the new technology will impact patient safety.
• Discuss how the impact of the change will be measured.
• Explain how the change will be communicated to staff and implemented.
• Examine human factors related to change and resistance to change.

Include a separate references page citing all sources in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The advancement of healthcare technology plays a crucial role in enhancing patient safety by reducing errors, improving diagnostics, and streamlining clinical workflows. In this proposal, I introduce the implementation of an integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) alert system designed to minimize medication errors within a hospital setting. This proposal aims to illustrate how this technology will improve patient safety, the methods for measuring its impact, strategies for effective communication and implementation, and considerations related to human factors and resistance to change.

The core benefit of integrating an advanced EHR alert system is its potential to significantly reduce medication errors, which are a leading cause of adverse patient outcomes worldwide (Garcia et al., 2020). These alerts can notify clinicians of potential drug interactions, allergies, and incorrect dosages in real-time, thereby enabling immediate corrective actions. The impact on patient safety can be observed through a measurable decline in medication-related adverse events, improved accuracy in medication administration, and enhanced clinical decision-making (Bates et al., 2018). This directly correlates with improved health outcomes and reduced hospital stays, which are vital indicators in healthcare quality metrics.

To measure the effectiveness of this change, a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics will be implemented. Quantitative measures include tracking the rate of medication errors before and after system deployment, medication reconciliation accuracy, and incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs). Data collection will be facilitated through hospital incident reporting systems, electronic medication administration records (eMAR), and patient safety dashboards. Qualitative assessments will involve staff surveys and focus group discussions to gauge perceptions of safety improvements and identify areas for further enhancement. Continuous monitoring and periodic audits will ensure the system’s ongoing efficacy and alignment with patient safety goals (Kohn et al., 2019).

Successful communication and implementation of the new technology require a strategic approach grounded in change management principles. Stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and administrative personnel, will be engaged early through informational sessions, demonstrations, and feedback forums. Educational materials emphasizing the benefits and operational aspects of the alert system will be distributed, complemented by hands-on training sessions to build user confidence and proficiency. A phased rollout approach will be adopted, starting with a pilot unit, allowing for troubleshooting and refinement before hospital-wide implementation (Kotter, 2012). Regular updates, championing by clinical leaders, and an open-door feedback policy will foster transparency and engagement throughout the process.

Human factors significantly influence the success of technological changes. Resistance often arises from concerns about workflow disruption, increased cognitive load, or perceived threats to clinical autonomy (Higgins et al., 2019). Addressing these factors involves involving end-users in the planning and testing phases, ensuring the technology complements existing workflows rather than complicates them. Training programs designed to enhance user competence and confidence are essential for reducing resistance. Additionally, recognizing champions or opinion leaders within clinical teams can facilitate peer influence and acceptance. Designing the system with user-centered principles—such as intuitive interfaces and minimal alert fatigue—can improve usability and adherence (Simon & colleagues, 2021). Ongoing support and feedback loops are vital for sustaining engagement and mitigating resistance over time.

In conclusion, the proposed integration of an EHR alert system holds the promise of significantly enhancing patient safety by minimizing medication errors. Its impact can be effectively measured through error rates and staff feedback, ensuring continuous quality improvement. Transparent communication, comprehensive training, and addressing human factors are crucial for successful implementation. Embracing a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders and prioritizes user-centered design will foster acceptance and optimize the system’s benefits, ultimately contributing to a safer patient environment.

References

• Bates, D. W., Cohen, M., Leape, L. L., et al. (2018). Reducing the frequency of errors in medicine using information technology. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 22(3), 45-52.
• Garcia, L., Nguyen, H. T., & Lee, J. (2020). Impact of clinical decision support systems on medication safety: A systematic review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 135, 104092.
• Higgins, M., Thomas, S., & Doran, D. (2019). Human factors in healthcare: Understanding resistance to technology adoption. Journal of Patient Safety & Risk Management, 24(4), 167-172.
• Kohn, L. T., Corrigan, J. M., & Donaldson, M. S. (2019). To Err is Human: Building a safer health system. National Academies Press.
• Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Simon, R., Perkin, S., & Johnson, M. (2021). Designing user-centered health information systems to reduce alert fatigue. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 115, 103674.