Identify the process for decision making regarding technology. Discuss nursing role in identifying appropriate technology for practice. Your post should include the following: 1. One technology application used in health care to facilitate decision making. 2. The application’s impact on quality of decision making. 3. The process for selecting and implementing the application. 4. The costs associated with the application. 5. Nurses’ role(s) in selecting and evaluating the application. Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction
The process of decision making regarding technology in healthcare involves a systematic approach to identify, select, and implement appropriate technology applications. Nurses play a crucial role in this process, as they are at the frontline of healthcare delivery and can provide valuable insights into the selection and evaluation of technology applications. In this post, I will discuss one technology application used in healthcare to facilitate decision making, its impact on the quality of decision making, the process for selecting and implementing the application, the costs associated with it, and the role of nurses in selecting and evaluating the application.
One technology application used in healthcare to facilitate decision making is the electronic health record (EHR) system. An EHR is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart that contains the patient’s medical history, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and other relevant information. The EHR system allows healthcare providers to access and share patient information securely and in real-time, thereby facilitating decision making by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the patient’s health status.
The impact of the EHR system on the quality of decision making in healthcare is significant. It improves the accuracy and completeness of patient information, reduces medication errors, enhances communication and coordination among healthcare providers, and supports evidence-based practice. Studies have shown that the use of EHRs leads to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased patient satisfaction.
The process for selecting and implementing the EHR system involves several steps. First, the healthcare organization needs to assess its needs and evaluate available EHR systems based on their features, functionalities, interoperability, and usability. The organization should also consider factors such as vendor reputation, system compatibility with existing technology infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Once an EHR system is selected, the organization needs to develop an implementation plan, which includes tasks such as data conversion, system configuration, training, and testing. The implementation process requires collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including nurses, physicians, IT staff, administrators, and vendors. It is crucial to ensure that the EHR system is integrated into the workflow of healthcare providers so that it can be effectively utilized for decision making.
The costs associated with implementing an EHR system can vary depending on factors such as the size of the healthcare organization, the scope of the implementation, and the complexity of the system. The costs can include expenditures for software licenses, hardware infrastructure, interface development, data migration, training, maintenance, and ongoing support. It is essential for healthcare organizations to carefully budget and plan for these costs to ensure a successful implementation.
Nurses play a vital role in selecting and evaluating the EHR system. They have firsthand experience in using technology for patient care and can provide valuable input on the user-friendliness, functionality, and usability of the system. Nurses can also contribute to the development of clinical decision support tools within the EHR system, ensuring that it aligns with evidence-based practice and supports safe and effective care. Furthermore, nurses can serve as superusers and trainers for their colleagues, facilitating the adoption of the EHR system and providing ongoing support and education on its use. Nurses’ active involvement in the selection and evaluation of the EHR system is crucial to ensure that it meets their needs, enhances their practice, and ultimately improves patient outcomes.
In conclusion, the process of decision making regarding technology in healthcare involves a systematic approach to identify, select, and implement appropriate technology applications. The EHR system is one such technology application that facilitates decision making by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the patient’s health status. Its implementation requires careful consideration of various factors, and the costs associated with it can vary. Nurses play a crucial role in selecting and evaluating the EHR system, contributing their expertise and insights to ensure its usability and effectiveness in supporting safe and effective care.