Discussion: NURS 6051 Successful Implementation of Electronic Health Information Technology

Discussion: 6051 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?
Discussion: NURS 6051 Successful Implementation of Electronic Health Information Technology
By Day 3
Post an analysis of
the ramifications of an organization not involving nurses in each stage of the
systems development life cycle when purchasing and implementing a new HIT
system. Give specific examples of potential issues at each stage and how the
inclusion of nurses could help avoid such issues.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different
days using one or more of the following approaches:
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional
background information, evidence or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings,
synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings
from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional
research.
Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from
readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional
insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.