NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 2 Proposal for a Change

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems

Prof. Name

Date

Enhancing Patient Services through the Implementation of a Clinical Decision Support System at Villa Health

Abstract

The healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, and Villa Health faces challenges in delivering efficient and high-quality patient care due to understaffing and limited support from the Information Technology and Data Services (ITDS) division. The solution proposed in this paper is the implementation of a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system to enhance response times and overall service delivery. The paper addresses various aspects of this technology change, including the standards and specifications criteria, technology comparison, legal and ethical considerations, impact, future relevance, and the role of stakeholders.

Introduction

Villa Health is focused on enhancing the quality and efficiency of its healthcare services through the implementation of a CDS system. This initiative aligns with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)’s National Quality Strategy (NQS), which emphasizes the importance of CDS systems in improving healthcare outcomes. This paper will explore the relevant criteria set by the AHRQ, including the three aims and six priority areas, and review the four levels of CDS system implementation to meet these objectives.

Standards and Specifications Criteria

The AHRQ’s NQS framework offers a set of standards for evaluating and implementing CDS systems effectively. These include the identification of problems, development of clinical guidelines, and creation of legally valid implementation plans. In addition, it outlines the necessity for formal schema preparation through the use of HL7 Arden Syntax or similar systems and the establishment of an information technology (IT) health architecture. Some common architectures include the Shareable Active Guideline Environment (SAGE) and the System for Evidence-Based Advice through Simultaneous Transaction with an Intelligent Agent across a Network (SEBASTIAN).

Comparison of Technologies

Different health IT systems, including CDS systems, are evaluated based on their functionality, real-time data analysis capabilities, scalability, and utility to different stakeholders. The paper compares CDS systems by considering these features and the needs of nurses, physicians, and other healthcare staff. Factors influencing the choice of a CDS system include usability, support capabilities, and integration with existing systems.

Legal and Ethical Issues

The implementation of a CDS system at Villa Health must comply with legal mandates related to patient data privacy and security, as outlined in laws such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Additionally, ethical considerations, including safeguarding patient vulnerabilities and ensuring equitable access to services, are central to the system’s design and implementation. The paper emphasizes the need to develop comprehensive access control, storage, and transmission policies in line with governmental regulations.

Technology Impact

The introduction of the CDS system is expected to have a significant positive impact on healthcare delivery at Villa Health. The system provides real-time diagnostic data, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions quickly and effectively. However, potential challenges, such as over-reliance on the system or diminished communication between staff, need to be addressed through proper training and design considerations.

Future Relevance

The proposed CDS system is expected to remain a relevant part of healthcare service delivery for five to ten years, with regular maintenance and updates to ensure its effectiveness. As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, decision support systems will continue to play a pivotal role in helping professionals enhance care quality and efficiency.

Stakeholder Influence

Successful implementation of the CDS system depends on active engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. Regular consultations with internal stakeholders, such as nurses, physicians, and hospital staff, will ensure the system meets their needs. External stakeholders, including government regulators and investors, should also be involved through written communications and meetings to discuss the financial and operational aspects of the system.

Conclusion

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the proposed technology change at Villa Health through the implementation of a CDS system. By adhering to established standards, addressing legal and ethical concerns, and ensuring stakeholder involvement, Villa Health aims to improve patient care, healthcare efficiency, and overall community health outcomes.

References

Berner, E. S. (2016). Clinical Decision Support Systems: Theory and Practice. Springer.

Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2019). Nursing Ethics Across the Curriculum and into Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Cerrato, P., & Halamka, J. (2020). Reinventing Clinical Decision Support: Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Diagnostic Reasoning. Taylor & Francis.

Harman, F., & Cornelius, L. B. (2017). Ethical Health Informatics: Challenges and Opportunities. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 2 Proposal for a Change

Muhiyaddin, R., Abd-Alrazaq, A. A., Househ, M., Alam, T., & Shah, Z. (2020). The Impact of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) on Physicians: A Scoping Review. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 272, 470-473.