Implementation can include oversight of the physical hardware installation and training of staff members. The new system should be implemented in phases such that the entire system does not collapse in the early stages of development.
During these two phases healthcare professionals working in the organization will be given the opportunity to actively adapt to the new system. Professionals will be included in the development and design to ensure that their needs are met in the final system. In addition, comprehensive training will be provided to ensure that all staff members are able to use the new technology. These processes will help reduce resistance to change and improve overall outcomes and utility of the new system.
Resources Needed
The most prominent resource needed to undertake this change is money. Financial resources will be needed to purchase all of the equipment needed to computerize the hospital's information systems. In addition financial resources will be needed to provide training to all of the employees in the organization. While financial resources are a prominent concern, a change of this magnitude will also require a considerable amount of human capital as well. Management in the organization will have to mobilize its resources to ensure that they are able to communicate effectively with members of the organization. This process will help reduce resistance and ensure that the program is effective for improving patient outcomes. The organization may need to consider an overall change management program which may help facilitate the transition and allow all members of the organization...
Additionally, fewer patient errors will mean less legal liability for the organization.
Physicians and Nurses: The new system should improve efficiency and reduce the time needed to undertake administrative tasks. For healthcare providers, this will mean more time with the patient. In addition, the system should eliminate errors and improve patient outcomes.
Patients: Patients will benefit from both error-free care and improved quality of care provided by healthcare professionals.
Evaluation
The program will be evaluated using benchmarks and metrics. The financial performance of the organization will be monitored before and after system implementation to determine where cost savings have occurred. In addition, patient and healthcare professional satisfaction with the system will be evaluated. Patients will be asked to provide customer satisfaction data, which could be used to make improvements to the system. In addition, healthcare employees will be asked to provide feedback on the efficacy and efficiency of the system.
References
Baharozian, D.B. (2005). Electronic medical records in practice: Are we there yet? Ophthalmology Times, 30(22), 45-47.
Swartz, N. (2005). Electronic medical records' risks feared. Information Management Journal, 39(3), 9.
