Workflow Model Analysis: Briefly Describe The Case ✓ Solved

Workflow Model Analysis (2–3 pages) Briefly describe the case

Assignment: Workflow Model Analysis (2–3 pages) Briefly describe the case study you selected. Explain the systems development life cycle present in the case. Describe the workflow model that was used. Explain whether this workflow model is a good fit and why. Explain how the clinical decision support system impacted workflow in the case.

Assess the role of the nurse informaticist in the case study and how the role could be beneficial to internal and external customers. (Customers external to health care organizations include patients, patients' families and visitors, referring physicians, doctors' offices, blood donors, and third-party payers. Internal customers include nurses, staff physicians and other professionals, students, trainees, employees, departments, and committees.) Recommend an alternative workflow model that could be used in this scenario. Explain how it improves patient safety and/or outcomes. Support your recommendation by synthesizing and integrating at least two outside resources and two of the provided Resources.

Paper For Above Instructions

The healthcare sector is increasingly depending on evidence-based practices and technology integration to optimize patient outcomes. One pivotal aspect to address is the workflow model within clinical settings. This paper conducts a thorough analysis of a selected case study, exploring the implemented workflow model, its compatibility with the healthcare environment, the influence of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) on workflow, and the roles of nurse informaticists in enhancing organizational efficacy.

Case Study Overview

The case study analyzed pertains to a mid-sized urban hospital that integrated a new electronic health record (EHR) system aimed at enhancing data collection and patient management. Prior to the implementation, the hospital's workflows were fragmented, leading to increased chances of error and delays in patient care. The primary goal of the EHR integration was to streamline operational processes, enhance communication among healthcare staff, and ultimately improve patient safety.

Systems Development Life Cycle

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) in this case study followed a structured approach. The phases included:

• Planning: Identifying the need for an EHR system and assessing current workflow inefficiencies.
• Analysis: Gathering requirements from stakeholders—nurses, physicians, and administrative staff—to develop a system that meets user needs.
• Design: Specifying the system architecture and features that would support comprehensive patient management.
• Implementation: Deploying the EHR system, conducting training sessions for staff, and accommodating initial operational hiccups.
• Maintenance: Regularly updating the system according to feedback and evolving healthcare regulations.

Workflow Model Analysis

The workflow model utilized in the chosen case study was a modified version of the Process Workflow Model. This model allowed for a structured sequence of tasks, facilitating better communication among various departments. It proved to be a suitable fit because it aligned with the hospital's transition from paper-based records to a digital format, ensuring that each department had defined responsibilities and seamless interactions.

The advantages of the Process Workflow Model included better task allocation, reduced redundancies, and improved efficiency. However, challenges, such as resistance from staff and the need for ongoing training, were also observed, which necessitated a robust change management strategy.

Impact of Clinical Decision Support Systems

The integration of CDSS in the workflow had a profound effect on the hospital's operations. By providing evidence-informed recommendations at the point of care, CDSS improved decision-making processes among healthcare providers. The system alerted clinicians to potential medication interactions, recommended preventive measures, and offered guidelines based on patient-specific data. According to Eisenstein and Butler (2015), such systems significantly enhance patient safety by minimizing the risk of human error in clinical decisions.

Role of Nurse Informaticist

The role of the nurse informaticist is pivotal in bridging the gap between clinical practice and information technology implementations. In the case study, the informaticist played a critical role in educating staff about the new EHR and CDSS functionalities, ensuring that user adoption was maximized.

This role benefits both internal customers (e.g., clinical staff, management) and external customers (e.g., patients and families) by fostering an improved understanding of health information systems. By effectively managing data, nurse informaticists contribute to improved patient care and satisfaction, as well as lower operational costs through enhanced efficiency.

Recommendation for an Alternative Workflow Model

While the Process Workflow Model yielded benefits, an alternative model worth considering is the Lean Workflow Model. This model focuses on optimizing efficiency by eliminating wasteful practices, which is particularly beneficial in hospital settings. By streamlining processes and prioritizing value-added activities, the Lean model emphasizes patient safety and quality outcomes.

The Lean Workflow Model promotes continuous improvement, empowering staff to identify inefficiencies and successfully suggest enhancements. Research from Thompson et al. (2016) emphasizes that this model not only improves patient safety but also enhances overall satisfaction and outcomes by providing timely, patient-centered care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of the workflow model utilized in the selected case study reveals significant insights into how clinical decision support systems and informaticist roles can enhance healthcare operations. The current model has its strengths but also leaves room for improvement, particularly through the adoption of Lean principles. Future research and practice should emphasize the integration of innovative workflow models, underscoring the importance of adaptability in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

References

• Eisenstein, E. L., & Butler, K. A. (2015). Health informatics-enabled workflow redesign and evaluation. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 208, 131–136. doi:10.3233/
• Tilley, S. (2020). Systems analysis and design (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
• Thompson, C., Kell, C., Shetty, R., & Banerjee, D. (2016). Clinical workflow redesign leveraging informatics improves patient outcomes. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 45(4), 380–381. doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2016.05.025
• Chen, L. S., & Kuo, R. Y. (2017). An assessment of clinical decision support systems for a hospital pharmacy. Journal of Health Information Management, 31(1), 32–40.
• McGowan, J. J., & Way, J. (2019). Using Lean principles to improve hospital patient throughput. Journal of Healthcare Management, 64(2), 115–127.
• Ratwani, R. M., & et al. (2018). The Impact of Electronic Health Record Usability on Patient Safety. AMIA Annual Symposium Proceedings, 2018, 1662-1671.
• Brown, M. A., & McMahon, R. (2014). The role of informatics in improving patient safety. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 29(3), 278-284.
• Agarwal, R., & et al. (2016). Improving clinical decision-making: The role of technology in integrating data. Journal of Health Economics, 47, 128-136.
• Kaplan, B. (2017). The role of clinical decision support systems in patient-centered care. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 69, 83-89.
• Ammenwerth, E., & et al. (2020). Understanding the impact of clinical decision support systems: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(4), e17621.