Implementation of New Systems
Incorporating sophisticated systems, specifically Electronic Health Records (EHRs), holds significant significance in the dynamic healthcare field. This research thoroughly examines the complexities and subtleties of implementing EHRs in healthcare settings. A project manager encounters various challenges and opportunities when introducing an innovative computer system. Central to this intricate process is a fundamental trio that must not be disregarded: usability, configurability, and interoperability. A comprehensive understanding of these concepts is crucial for any prosperous endeavor in healthcare informatics.
The Importance of Usability, Configurability, and Interoperability
The concept of ‘usability’ encompasses more than just efficiency. The idea incorporates user-friendliness, ensuring that healthcare personnel can carry out their duties accurately and contentment (Russ & Saleem, 2018). Next, we have the concept of “configurability,” which is a crucial attribute enabling the system to adapt itself to the individual requirements of an organization.
This capability eliminates the constant necessity for costly updates (Argaw et al., 2020). The concept of “interoperability,” widely recognized as a fundamental aspect of contemporary healthcare informatics, guarantees the accessibility and transferability of patient data across different platforms. This ensures the effective coordination of treatment (Lehne et al., 2019).
Although these qualities are crucial, they do have an inherent expense. The primary inquiry pertains to whether the advantages associated with these principles surpass the intrinsic costs of the underlying system. According to Goldfarb and Que (2023), it is essential to consider not just the initial costs but also the hidden value and possible savings while making a decision.
Enhanced usability facilitates the reduction of training hours, while a high degree of configurability ensures the system’s longevity. The implementation of seamless interoperability has the potential to decrease costs associated with data integration significantly.
After a thorough evaluation, it becomes apparent that the Cerner Electronic Health Record (EHR) system emerges as a prominent selection. The method’s effectiveness is not solely based on anecdotal evidence but is supported by its well-established reputation in the healthcare industry. The assertion is supported by empirical research and has shown success, exemplified by its successful implementation at Intermountain Healthcare (Hawley et al., 2021).
Phase One: Formation of the Team
The team’s formation at the start of an EHR system implementation is the foundation for the entire project. Hebda et al. (2019) emphasize the importance of combining various skills, including steadfast devotion, skillful interpersonal communication, analytical brilliance, and a thorough knowledge of the target system.
The importance of team cohesion transcends individual skills. Each team member must not only show proficiency in their assigned responsibilities but also show a willingness to receive criticism. This collaborative environment and culture of ongoing learning guarantees that the project is dynamic and changes in response to difficulties for a more reliable and flexible result.
Phase Two: Understanding and Adapting to Organizational Culture
Phase Two is underpinned by “leading with culture and identifying areas of resistance” (Sipes, 2019, p. 161). The task necessitates a deep comprehension of the existing organizational culture, identifying potential points of resistance, and developing methods to alleviate them. This necessitates a keen awareness of the dominant corporate culture, identifying possible resistance to change, and the development of measures that not only confront but also turn this opposition into acceptance.
The practice is deeply relational rather than merely procedural. Keeping lines of communication open ensures all stakeholders feel heard and involved. Because the new system’s goals align with the organization’s core beliefs, adoption and integration are made more manageable, and the organization advances with less resistance.
Addressing Professional Resistance.
Anticipated resistance is expected, particularly among healthcare professionals. The proposed approach entails a comprehensive analysis of the underlying factors contributing to resistance, mitigating apprehensions through focused educational interventions (Uslu & Stausberg, 2021), and capitalizing on proficient persons, sometimes called “superusers,” to provide practical support.
Challenges and Remediation
Similar to any form of implementation, hazards are unavoidable. Potential challenges can develop in the context of team consensus, technical problems, training deficiencies, and regulatory risks, particularly regarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (Kinnunen et al., 2019). Implementing proactive measures, such as establishing team alignment, effective allocation of resources, extensive training programs, continual technical assistance, and rigorous adherence to regulatory guidelines, can substantially mitigate these risks.
Personal Experience
Understanding the challenges of transitioning from conventional paper-based systems to cutting-edge platforms like EPIC provided essential insights into the value of individualized communication in healthcare. Although implementing such technology caused difficulties in and of itself, the transition was facilitated by tailored training and communication techniques.
Given that everyone interacts with new technologies differently, offering training sessions tailored to different learning trajectories was crucial. This strategy increased system confidence and trust while also improving functional proficiency. Because of this, successful transitions in healthcare frequently depend on comprehension, empathy, and customized communication techniques despite technological developments.
Conclusion
Implementing new systems, particularly electronic health records, is a complex process that entails various technical, interpersonal, and organizational considerations. This examination highlights the undeniable significance of usability, configurability, and interoperability in shaping the future of healthcare informatics. The value of a system goes beyond its immediate functionalities; it also lies in its ability to adapt and align with the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Key factors such as team formation, understanding organizational culture, and personal experiences play vital roles in successfully adopting and implementing these digital advancements. As the healthcare sector moves towards greater integration and reliance on technology, striking a balance between cutting-edge systems and human-centered strategies will ensure lasting and impactful transitions. This exploration emphasizes the idea that while technology serves as a tool, it is human expertise and decision-making that guide its use.
References
- Argaw, S. T., Troncoso-Pastoriza, J. R., Lacey, D., Florin, M.-V., Calcavecchia, F., Anderson, D., Burleson, W., Vogel, J.-M., O’Leary, C., Eshaya-Chauvin, B., & Flahault, A. (2020). Cybersecurity of hospitals: Discussing the challenges and working towards mitigating the risks. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-020-01161-7
- Goldfarb, A., & Que, V. F. (2023). The economics of digital privacy. Annual Review of Economics, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-economics-082322-014346
- Hawley, S., Yu, J., Bogetic, N., Potapova, N., Wakefield, C., Thompson, M., Kloiber, S., Hill, S., Jankowicz, D., & Rotenberg, D. (2021). Digitization of measurement-based care pathways in mental health through redcap and electronic health record integration: Development and usability study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(5), e25656. https://doi.org/10.2196/25656
- Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses and healthcare professionals (6th ed.). Pearson.
- Kinnunen, U.-M., Heponiemi, T., Rajalahti, E., Ahonen, O., Korhonen, T., & Hyppönen, H. (2019). Factors related to health informatics competencies for nurses—results of a national electronic health record survey. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 37(8), 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000511
- Lehne, M., Sass, J., Essenwanger, A., Schepers, J., & Thun, S. (2019). Why digital medicine depends on interoperability. Npj Digital Medicine, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-019-0158-1
- Russ, A. L., & Saleem, J. J. (2018). Ten factors to consider when developing usability scenarios and tasks for health information technology. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 78, 123–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbi.2018.01.001
- Uslu, A., & Stausberg, J. (2021). Value of the electronic medical record for hospital care: Update from the literature. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(12), e26323. https://doi.org/10.2196/26323
Implementation of New Systems Instructions
Recorded presentation between 7 and 12 minutes in length. The presentation should include a PowerPoint and oral presentation of the slides. There is no slide number requirement. Answer all questions thoroughly with the allotted time. Be sure to include a title slide, objective slide, content slides, reference slide in APA format. Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. Include at least three (3) scholarly sources using APA citations to support your claims. This assignment uses a rubric for scoring. Please review it as part of your assignment preparation and again prior to submission to ensure you have addressed its criteria at the highest level. Use a recording platform of your choice and either upload as an mp4 or share the link directly to the video in the dropbox.
You are a project manager assigned to implementing a new computer system in an organization
- Why is it important to understand usability, configurability, and interoperability? Should these concepts out way the underlining cost of the new system? Which system do you recommend and why?
- During phase one, you are selecting a team. What characteristics are important to consider when selecting a team?
- During phase two the following principle was discussed, “lead with culture, determining where the resistance is,” and then, engage all levels of employees (Sipes, 2019, p. 161). What does this principle mean to you and how can you implement this principle?
- How will you handle physician and other key professional’s resistance to change and using the new system?
- Discuss possible pitfalls during the implementation phase and how you can avoid them?
- Describe your personal experience with automation and new information systems.
Also Read: Nursing Capstone Project Writing