The role of the nurse informaticist in systems development and implementation
To Prepare:
- Review the steps of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and reflect on the scenario presented.
- Consider the benefits and challenges associated with involving a nurse leader on an implementation team for health information technology.
- The role of the nurse informaticist in systems development and implementation.
The Assignment: (2-3 pages not including the title and reference page)
In preparation of filling this role, develop a 2- to 3-page role description for a graduate-level nurse to guide his/her participation on the implementation team. The role description should be based on the SDLC stages and tasks and should clearly define how this individual will participate in and impact each of the following steps:
- Planning and requirements definition
- Analysis
- Design of the new system
- Implementation
- Post-implementation support
- Use APA format and include a title page and reference page.
- Use the Safe Assign Drafts to check your match percentage before submitting your work.
The Role Of The Nurse Informaticist In Systems Development And Implementation
The continuous changes and shift towards digital technology in healthcare have led to the adoption of various systems. As stated by McGonigle and Mastrian (2022), how well a healthcare organization can blend these systems into its operations determines their success. Nowadays, the process of developing and implementing systems holds equal importance in the success of adopting new programs or systems and integrating them effectively into patient care.
Using the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model allows developers to thoroughly examine system requirements, facilitating active involvement of key stakeholders to ensure successful adoption and implementation. The involvement of nurses at different stages of the SDLC is crucial in determining the success of software adoption and its integration into patient care. According to Wang et al. (2019), breaking down the SDLC into five stages provides a straightforward strategy for nurses to monitor progress and address goals. With their evolving role in healthcare, nurses have become pivotal players, extending beyond direct patient care to actively participate in system implementation.
The paper on the role of nurse informaticists in systems development and implementation outlines their involvement in the process. The SDLC encompasses planning and defining requirements, analysis, designing the new system, implementation, and post-implementation.
Planning and Requirements Definition
At the outset, your active involvement as a representative of the nursing unit in implementing the new documentation system is crucial. Your participation during the planning stage increases the likelihood of success, adoption, and implementation. As a unit representative, you’ll help identify system goals and objectives based on the organization’s and nursing unit’s needs. Importantly, your involvement will assist other units in identifying the correct system requirements, including data, users, and overall objectives. Neglecting the nurse’s input could lead to a shaky foundation and multiple system flaws.
Analysis
In this stage, as a nurse leader and unit representative, you need to focus on the functional aspects of the proposed system. Your role is to identify the benefits of the new system compared to the current one. You play a vital role in ensuring successful technology implementation and adoption to enhance communication and collaboration. It’s crucial to ensure that the shift to the new system provides added value and benefits for the unit, considering challenges faced by the healthcare system.
Design of the New System
During the design phase, where IT experts map out the new documentation system, your role is to suggest specific operational procedures that must be included. While IT experts handle the technical setup, your role is to ensure the new system reflects the needs of the nursing unit. Your input is essential to ensure the system is acceptable and usable for your team.
Implementation
Your role during implementation is to ensure the system is put into practice effectively. As primary users, nurses are trained to use and integrate it into their care delivery practices. Your leadership ensures alignment with clinical and organizational needs identified earlier.
Post-Implementation Support
In the final stage, post-implementation support, your input remains crucial. This stage involves testing and improving the system based on identified flaws. Your feedback is vital at this stage, ensuring the system functions effectively for your unit and organization. Nurses must be central to the SDLC process, actively involved in adopting and implementing new systems. Nurse informaticists play a key role in linking IT systems with care delivery needs, and their input at each stage informs the entire process.
ReferencesAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.a). Health IT evaluation toolkit and evaluation measures quick reference guide. https://digital.ahrq.gov/health-it-evaluation-toolkit
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.b). Workflow assessment for health IT toolkit. https://digital.ahrq.gov/health-it-tools-and-resources/evaluation-resources/workflow-assessment-health-it-toolkit
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
McKay, C., & Vanaskie, K. (2018). Partnering for success: The role of the nurse leader in Health Information Technology implementation for coordination of care. Nurse Leader, 16(6), 385–388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2018.07.012
Risling, T. L., & Risling, D. E. (2020). Advancing nursing participation in user-centered design. Journal of research in nursing: JRN, 25(3), 226–238. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987120913590
Wang, J., Gephart, S. M., Mallow, J., & Bakken, S. (2019). Models of collaboration and dissemination for nursing informatics innovations in the 21st century. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 419–432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.02.003 The role of the nurse informaticist in systems development and implementation
