Discuss What The Nursing’s Role Is And/Or Should Be In Decision Making Regarding Selecting Information Systems.
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2016).
- Chapter 16: Strategic Planning and Selecting an Information System
500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
The healthcare industry is continually advancing, and technology has become an essential aspect of healthcare delivery. Health information systems (HIS) have become a crucial tool in modern healthcare delivery, and nurses play a significant role in the selection of these systems. Nurses are the primary care providers in healthcare, and they have direct interaction with patients and the healthcare system. Thus, they have a unique perspective on the healthcare system’s operational aspects, which can assist in selecting the right HIS to improve healthcare delivery. This essay will discuss the nursing role in the decision-making process regarding selecting information systems.
Nursing professionals are essential in the selection of information systems because they understand the clinical aspects of healthcare delivery. Nurses have practical knowledge of how care delivery works in clinical settings, which enables them to identify the appropriate HIS that can enhance patient care. Nurses can provide insights on how the HIS can fit into the existing workflow of the healthcare system, which can facilitate the decision-making process. Nurses also have a unique perspective on how the HIS can support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. For instance, nurses can identify the critical clinical data that the HIS should capture to improve care delivery and patient outcomes.
Additionally, nurses can identify the potential challenges that may arise in the implementation of the HIS. The implementation of HIS is not always smooth, and there may be challenges such as resistance to change, lack of adequate training, and technical issues. Nurses can help in identifying these challenges and proposing solutions to mitigate them. Furthermore, nurses can provide feedback on the HIS’s usability, which can assist in the HIS’s optimization and ensure that it aligns with the clinical workflow.
However, nurses may face challenges in their role in the selection of information systems. One challenge is the lack of knowledge and skills in information technology (IT). Nurses may lack IT skills and knowledge required to participate effectively in the decision-making process. To overcome this challenge, nurses should collaborate with IT experts to understand the technical aspects of the HIS. Additionally, nurses should receive training on how to use the HIS to support their clinical practice.
Another challenge is the lack of authority to make decisions on information systems. Nurses may not have the authority to make decisions on the selection of information systems, and this may limit their involvement in the decision-making process. To overcome this challenge, nurses should collaborate with other stakeholders, such as IT professionals, administrators, and physicians, to influence the decision-making process. Nurses can provide valuable insights to these stakeholders on the clinical aspects of healthcare delivery, which can influence their decision-making.
In conclusion, nurses play a critical role in the selection of information systems in healthcare. Their practical knowledge of healthcare delivery and clinical workflow makes them an essential stakeholder in the decision-making process. Nurses can provide insights on the HIS’s usability, clinical decision-making support, and patient outcomes. However, they may face challenges such as lack of IT knowledge and limited decision-making authority. To overcome these challenges, nurses should collaborate with other stakeholders, receive training on IT, and advocate for their involvement in the decision-making process. Ultimately, nurses’ participation in the selection of information systems can enhance patient care and improve healthcare delivery.
References:
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2016). Health informatics: An interprofessional approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Tubaishat, A., & Habiballah, L. (2017). The role of nurses in hospital information systems acceptance: a qualitative study. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 17(1), 72.