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Rebecca Brown
Jun 10 7:09pm
Manage Discussion by Rebecca Brown
Reply from Rebecca Brown
Implementation
Healthcare electronic documentation technology has been recently introduced for my current employer in the maximum-security prison for the Department of Corrections. The newly designed electronic record platform introduces a new patient record that utilizes relevant documentation tools, current resources, and an adequate electronic medication administration record. There is one direct interface with the Department of Corrections for reference to legal information. The implementation is statewide, and the schedule for LIVE distribution is during the beginning of July. As a former clinical analyst and informatics specialist, I remain optimistic about the implementation transition on day one. I have requested that the beta site and training tools be visible in the testing environment. As far as training references are concerned, I am skeptical of the transparency of information that is available. The software company provided no pre-design feedback sessions or development teams on-site. The designated super-users received one afternoon of training, and the plan for GO-LIVE will be statewide on the same date. Since the initial training date, I have provided critical feedback on the platform’s performance and guidance for relevant implementation tools. However, due to the lack of collaboration, communication, and transparency, the potential for dysregulation is higher due to the statewide process. Lessons I learned for an outstanding implementation process include communication on purchasing the new software, developing implementation teams, building a bridge between team leaders, and receiving feedback from healthcare professionals. As directed by Sipes (2016), there is a correlation between success in nursing care and the competency of informatic skills. Nurses now have the core competency skill base in nursing school and testing during clinical rotations. The combination of skilled healthcare providers and a trained eye for developing systematic improvement changes will guide the future of software program enhancements. For healthcare providers, there is always improvement to a process, but starting with communication and transparency is an issue that cannot be disrupted or intentionally disregarded.
Supportive interactions with information technology
The development of rapport and professional relationships within the Information Technology (IT) department is essential for networking throughout the design and testing phase. Healthcare departments can perform reality-based scenarios and discover opportunities for improvement within documentation tools and provide feedback to the IT team. The nursing staff are crucial to visualizing the workflow process and management for emergencies or day-to-day operations. For example, the medication list must be easily accessible and contain allergy references in multiple locations, including the profile page for the patient. Routing information urgently to the lab, pharmacy, and providers is essential for life-saving measures. Another example includes the ease of accessing the electronic record with single sign-on privileges and maintaining an open window with a quick single click or badge swipe. Providing this critical information will help the implementation team design the workflow and safety measures to meet the expectations of the organization. The Information technology department helps to avoid unscheduled maintenance, outages, or priority pack updates without proper notification. The IT team also helps determine the appropriate computer systems that are applicable to new software products. Leadership and the IT team collaborate on the best methods for communication with different departments, locations, and staff. The distribution of information is typically standardized through emails, SMS, electronic screen notifications, and paper announcements. The healthcare organization must provide sufficient information to the employees, patients, and the community regarding improvements in care with a new electronic health system or technological advancement of medical equipment.
Emerging Technology and Improvement with Patient Flow
Once the implementation process is complete and staff have adapted to the new technology, patients can feel the fluidity of improved patient care. An example is an electronic dashboard in the surgical waiting room, kiosk sign-in for patients, portal access with mobile devices, and continuity to help ensure a better quality of care for patients. As emphasized by Ng, Alexander, and Frith (2018), the advancement of healthcare technology is vastly expanding, and the benefits enhance healthcare staff and patients’ ease of use. The threshold of technology services and the aging population is increasing due to daily exposure to mobile and home-based electronic devices.
Data Integration
The unique opportunity for healthcare providers to have current information provides nursing leadership with the ability to relay feedback. The data-based reporting systems in the electronic platform must be consistent with the organizational goals and state/federal auditing standards. For example, if a clinical nurse manager needs to review medication adherence for the month, reports can be customized to meet the needs for quality care. Executive management requires detailed information from every department so that the patient care provided can be analyzed routinely for future improvement. Mosier, Roberts, and Englebright (2019) described an algorithm for the development of the patient’s electronic health record, and clinical leadership is the principal agent for owning the process. Reporting system management is an excellent tracker for watching the organization grow, the leadership’s proven records, and, most importantly, monitoring the improvement of patient care by trending and calculated progression. Electronic documents and technological advancement are the essence of providing an aerial view of success. The strategy for success is to provide all the elements for communication and direction through teamwork and incorporate the informatics team into every effort. Every voice counts.
References
Sipes, C. (2016). Project Management: Essential Skill of Nurse Informaticists.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics,
225, 252–256.
Mosier, S., Roberts, W. & Englebright, J. (2019). A Systems-Level Method for Developing Nursing Informatics Solutions.
JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49 (11), 543-548. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000815.
Ng, Y., Alexander, S. & Frith, K. (2018). Integration of Mobile Health Applications in Health Information Technology Initiatives.
CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 36 (5), 209-213. doi: 10.1097/CIN.0000000000000445.
Jun 9 9:04pm| Last reply Jun 10 4:39pm
Manage Discussion by Jessica Vazquez
Reply from Jessica Vazquez
Dr. Lee and Colleagues,
Main Post
The evolution of nursing informatics from a theoretical science to a recognized nursing specialty has significantly transformed healthcare environments, especially in how data and technology are utilized to improve patient outcomes. Nurse informaticists serve as critical intermediaries between clinical practice and technological innovation. Their ability to translate clinical needs into informatics solutions facilitates the design, implementation, and optimization of health information systems that support patient care and enhance nursing workflow efficiency (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022).
In my healthcare organization, nurse informaticists frequently collaborate with clinical nurses, IT professionals, data analysts, and executive leadership. For example, during the implementation of a new electronic health record (EHR) update, nurse informaticists held interdisciplinary meetings to gather feedback from end-users and communicated those needs to the IT department. They also educated staff on how to navigate the updated interface, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care. However, I observed occasional interdisciplinary communication breakdowns due to a discrepancy in what clinical staff and leadership considered important updates.
One strategy to improve these interactions is the implementation of regular interdisciplinary rounding with nurse informaticists, IT staff, and clinical team leaders. These rounds would provide real-time opportunities for feedback, clarification, and iterative problem-solving. For instance, during my unit’s rollout of a new Omnicell system, real-time feedback sessions helped refine and organize placement of items to make the workflow for clinical staff easier.
As nursing informatics continues to evolve, its impact on professional interactions will likely deepen. The expansion of mobile health technologies, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms demands continuous collaboration among stakeholders to ensure systems are patient-centered and clinically relevant (Ng et al., 2018). Additionally, as nurse informaticists gain advanced skills in project management and systems thinking, their leadership in guiding digital transformation initiatives will further strengthen interdisciplinary relationships (Sipes, 2016). Continued development in this specialty fosters a culture where technology is not just a tool but an integrated component of holistic, patient-centered care.
References
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Ng, Y. C., Alexander, S., & Frith, K. H. (2018). Integration of mobile health applications in health information technology initiatives: Expanding opportunities for nurse participation in population health. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 36(5), 209–213.
Sipes, C. (2016). Project management: Essential skill of nurse informaticists. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 225, 252–256.
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