NURS FPX 6416 Assessment 2 Technology Needs Assessment Summary and Implementation Plan

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 6416 Managing the Nursing Informatics Life Cycle

Prof. Name

Date

Executive Summary

Current Informatics Structure

Substantial inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities characterize our organization’s existing paper-based record-keeping system. With an average data retrieval time of 20 minutes, patient care is frequently delayed, leading to increased wait times and frustration among both patients and staff (Antwi, 2022). The 5% error rate, caused by manual entry and misfiling, results in inaccurate patient records, which can adversely affect clinical decisions and patient safety. Additionally, the physical nature of paper records exposes them to potential loss, unauthorized access, and difficulties in maintaining confidentiality (Senne, 2021). These issues emphasize the need for an EHR system to enhance data management and security.

Recommended Transition to EHR System

To address the inefficiencies and risks of our current paper-based record-keeping system, we propose a structured transition to an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This transition will enhance patient care by reducing delays and improving data accuracy, thereby decreasing clinical errors. A dedicated Project Manager will oversee the process, ensuring coordination, budget management, and timeline adherence. The IT Team will conduct a needs assessment, select a suitable EHR vendor, and configure the system for seamless integration (Nolla et al., 2023).

Comprehensive training will be provided by Training Coordinators, tailored to various user roles, ensuring staff competence. Senior executives will act as project champions, securing resources and fostering buy-in. The implementation will be executed in three phases: selection and training, deployment and configuration, and evaluation and refinement. A study by Adeniyi et al, (2024) stated that financially, while the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits include improved efficiency, reduced error rates, and better care coordination, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Current Clinical Information System and Recommended Change

Our current paper-based system needs to be revised for meeting the demands of modern healthcare due to its slow data retrieval and high error rates. The proposed EHR system will offer several critical improvements: data retrieval times will be reduced, enabling faster patient care and decision-making (Adeniyi et al., 2024). Automated data validation tools will be implemented to decrease the current error rate, ensuring higher accuracy and reliability in patient records. The EHR system will also feature real-time data integration and decision-support tools, enhancing care coordination and streamlining communication among care teams (Hernandez & Gonzales, 2021). This transition will be executed in three phases: Phase 1 (Months 1-2) for selection and initial training, Phase 2 (Months 3-4) for deployment and integration, and Phase 3 (Months 5-6) for evaluation and refinement based on performance metrics and user feedback.

Anticipated Improvements

The implementation of the EHR system is expected to bring substantial benefits in terms of patient safety and healthcare outcomes. The drastic reduction in data retrieval times will enhance the efficiency of patient care, allowing for quicker responses and reduced wait times. The integration of automated validation tools will minimize errors, leading to more accurate patient records and a reduction in clinical mistakes. Improved data integration and decision-support capabilities will foster better coordination among care teams, resulting in more timely and effective patient interventions (Fennelly et al., 2020). These enhancements will collectively contribute to improved operational efficiency, enhanced patient safety, and higher overall care quality.

Conclusion

Transitioning to an EHR system will address the inefficiencies and risks of paper-based records. With strong leadership, thorough training, and technical support, we aim to modernize data management and enhance patient care. This change will resolve operational challenges and position us as a leader in high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. We are committed to a seamless EHR integration for improved healthcare delivery.

References

Adeniyi, A. O., Arowoogun, J. O., Chidi, R., Okolo, C. A., Babawarun, O., Adeniyi, A. O., Arowoogun, J. O., Chidi, R., Okolo, C. A., & Babawarun, O. (2024). The impact of electronic health records on patient care and outcomes: A comprehensive review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(2), 1446–1455. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.2.0592

Antwi, F. (2023). Impact of electronic health record system (EHRS) on healthcare quality at Asamankese Government Hospital. Gen Surgery Clin Med, 1(1), 1–21. https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/impact-of-electronic-health-record-system-ehrs-on-healthcare-quality-at-asamankese-government-hospital-ghana.pdf

Fennelly, O., Cunningham, C., Grogan, L., Cronin, H., O’Shea, C., Roche, M., Lawlor, F., & O’Hare, N. (2020). Successfully implementing a national electronic health record: A rapid umbrella review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 144(104281). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104281

NURS FPX 6416 Assessment 2 Technology Needs Assessment Summary and Implementation Plan

Hernandez, M., & Gonzales, I. (2021). Enhancing patient care through electronic health records (EHR) systems. Academic Journal of Science and Technology, 4(1), 1-9. https://academicpinnacle.com/index.php/ajst/article/view/86

Nolla, K., Rasmussen, L. V., Rothrock, N., Butt, Z., Bass, M., Davis, K., Cella, D., Gershon, R., Barnard, C., Chmiel, R., Almaraz, F., Schachter, M., Nelson, T., Langer, M., & Starren, J. B. (2023). Seamless integration of computer-adaptive patient reported outcomes into an electronic health record. Applied Clinical Informatics. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2235-9557

Senne, G. L. (2021). Exploring challenges in records management in a public hospital setting. Repository.nwu.ac.za. https://repository.nwu.ac.za/handle/10394/38826