Essay Sample on Technology Offers Significant Solutions to the Increasing Healthcare Demand Due to Aging Population

Introduction

In most countries, the aging population is increasing, and therefore, there is an increase in the demand for healthcare systems. Also, it can be attributed to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases and limitations in funding following the economic recession. However, the advancement in technology and the introduction of computers tends to offer a significant solution to the issue. Computerized systems assist in improving the efficiency of healthcare systems through the reduction of errors and ensuring patient safety. However, despite considerable investments in the application and implementation of technological systems, the idea has not always been successful. The causes of failure relate to legal and regulatory issues, organization structure, and how the system is implemented. More importantly, the success of the technological systems depends on end-users, including the patients and health professionals who are using it. Therefore, as a project manager assigned to implement a new computer system in an organization, the review conducted in this paper primarily focusses on discussing the key factors to be considered in every step before and during the implementation process.

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Implementation

The implementation of a computerized information system is at the forefront of most policy agendas of the majority of healthcare organizations. However, the undertakings are not often straightforward as perceived by many people, since it requires strategic planning and massive organizational changes to incorporate the programs. During the planning process, it is essential to consider and understand various human, managerial, and technological factors that impact the adoption and success of a particular information system. For instance, one of the significant factors is the system’s usability. In this case, usability means the efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction with which the specifically intended operators can use the system to achieve a particular task in a clinical environment. In any healthcare organization, the targeted users of information systems are physicians, nurses, specialists, administrators, technicians, support personnel, clerks, and any other stakeholder. Therefore, it is crucial to consider a computer system that fits within the general knowledge and skills of the medical staff and also easy to learn (Farzandipur et al., 2016). In doing so, the medical teams will be motivated to use the computers, and well equipped in terms of skillset to use them in delivering better healthcare services.

Usability

The aspect of the usability of a computer system can be further divided into several areas, such as simplicity during the initial design phase. Simplicity covers the ease to use or understand the system; therefore, the more straightforward a system is, the better. It should clear and intuitive and provide information or data when needed to accomplish a task effectively. Another crucial aspect of usability in this context is naturalness. The system should allow the intended users to be comfortable and familiar with the vast features to use it effectively. Also, healthcare is a sector where the life of a person is at stake; therefore, the system must be consistent and reliable in presenting the information. Elsewhere, as a project manager, I must also consider the configurability of the system with the organization’s short and long term practices and activities. A computer system must be able to work together with the existing systems and quickly adapt to new conditions of the organization (McGuire & Moore, 2016). In doing so, the system will support protocol orders and operate according to the caregivers' expectations, thereby eliminating errors arising from confusion and communication obstacles. Understanding configurability not only enables current productivity but also facilitates efficiency in future operations. The feature offers flexibility and adaptability to the continually advancing technologies, organization practices, and shifting paradigms.

Interoperability

It is also essential to understand the interoperability of a system before installing or implementing it in an organization. In the healthcare sector, interoperability entails the system’s ability to exchange and make use of medical information from multiple databases, department, and presenting it to the caregivers. Therefore, interoperable information systems allow health providers to share data between different systems, thereby facilitating more natural access to patient's medical history and condition. Selecting a system based on this aspect requires consideration of other factors, such as the size and requirements of the organization. Therefore, considering the concepts of usability, interoperability, and configurability is crucial since it ensures maximum utilization of the system by the end-users. Also, the ideas support the proper sharing of data and evidence-based practice, which, in turn, results in high-quality care to the clients or patients.

As a result, these concepts should outweigh the underlining cost of a new system, as there is no need to implement an information system that will bring confusion to the organization, and more importantly, endanger the lives of patients. As a project manager, I would recommend the implementation of an electronic health record system, specifically the sunrise clinical manager (SCM). I prefer the SCM system because it supports management orders and documentation for medication administration and everyday care for the patients. Furthermore, the application of this system across all healthcare departments within an organization facilitates communication between health providers and patients. It supports their decision making process through the provision of timely information.

First Phase

The first phase of the implementation process involves the selection of the EHR project team. These individuals serve as my allies since they depend on me, and I rely on them for the success of the project. Their central role involves training others and seeing the project through to completion. Therefore, in the selection process, I will consider individuals who have an active interest, previous experience, and general knowledge about the task at hand. The attribute covers enthusiastic staff members with prior interest and understanding of technical matters and medical records. It includes individuals who are comfortable using computers and knowledgeable in this specific area of practice. Also, when selecting the team, it is important to consider individuals who are champions at effective communication. The concept enables team members to share ideas among themselves and close the gap of knowledge (Gross et al., 2016). Furthermore, effective communication ensures that members of the team receive essential details regarding the progress project irrespective of their physical location. Another significant characteristic to consider relates to the aspect of time commitment. It is necessary to select team members who have sufficient time to devote to the project responsibilities. Lastly, I will consider individuals who are analytical thinkers, open to change, and firm in decision making.

Second Phase

The second phase abides by the principle of leading with culture, determine areas of resistance to the change, and engaging all employees. Leadership and culture of an organization are interlinked such that cultural dysfunction can impede the performance of a firm. In this case, culture implies the specific mindsets, behaviors, and assumptions held by the team members while approaching a particular task or issue. Also, the principle recognizes the possibilities of resistance to the implementation of the system. When introducing a change in an organization, it is only reasonable for staff members to portray signs of irritation, anger, or frustration since they were settled in their old ways. However, observation of this principle will assist in identifying where the resistance is and address it appropriately. Besides, the policy covers the concept of engaging and treating all levels of employees as equals without discriminating them based on personal differences. Leaders can implement the principle by encouraging teamwork and pulling them together towards the achievement of a common goal. It can also be applied through the recognition of employees’ efforts and hard work, and offering rewards where necessary.

Computer System

The introduction of the new computer system will significantly alter how the health providers interact with each other, and how tasks are performed. As a natural safeguard to such changes, individuals tend to resist them, and this can lead to failure of the implementation process. Therefore, to handle this issue of resistance to the new system, I will effectively communicate the change to the physicians and other key health professionals in the organization (American Association for Physician Leadership [AAPL], 2018). The strategy involves the utilization of all communication outlets such as face to face meetings, and emails, to alert all the necessary stakeholders on what is going on and how it will positively impact their duties. Another strategy involves educating the health providers on how to use the system and encouraging them to practice more. Also, I will provide technical help to assist the physicians and nurses in the learning process and familiarizing them with the new system. Finally, overcoming opposition requires the active engagement of the individuals who are showing signs of resistance to the change. I will achieve this by paying attention to the employees' concerns and incorporating their ideas in the implementation of the new computer system.

In the implementation phase, there are high chances of encountering pitfalls towards the achievement of EHR success. Such difficulties include choosing the wrong EHR system that does not fit or match the organization’s ways of operations and employees. However, this can be avoided by evaluating and understanding the usability, configurability, and interoperability of the system to the organization’s culture and structure. Another possible barrier is lack or insufficient knowledge and training on the new system (Mason et al., 2017).

Conclusion

The majority of health providers do not require technical training while pursuing their degrees at medical schools. Therefore, they tend to fall behind in adapting to new technological changes introduced in their respective organization. However, this obstacle can be avoided by offering adequate training and education on the new system before implementing it. Elsewhere, based on my personal experience, it is true that automation and new technological information systems present massive benefits to healthcare organizations. The system has eased life in the health sector, as medical providers can tirelessly perform their duties and guarantee quality services to patients. For instance, through EHR and digital records, results of tests such as cone beam tomograms are made available to patients through the internet within a few hours.

References

American Association for Physician Leadership. (2018, November 9). Strategies to beat resistance to change. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from
https://www.physicianleaders.org/news/strategies-beat-resistance-change

Farzandipur, M., Jeddi, F.R., & Azimi, E. (2016). Factors influencing the successful implementation of hospital information systems. Acta Inform Med, 24(1), 51-55. doi: 10.5455/aim.2016.24.51-55

Gross, A.H., Leib, R.K., Tonachel, A., Tonachel, R., Bowers, D.M., Burnard, R.A., Rhinehart, C.A., Valentim, R., & Bunnell, C.A. (2016). Teamwork and electronic health record implementation: A case study of preserving effective communication and mutual trust in a changing environment.