Assume you are a nurse manager on a unit where a new nursing documentation system is to be implemented. You want to ensure that the system will be usable and acceptable for the nurses impacted. You realize a nurse leader must be on the implementation team.
THE ROLE OF THE NURSE INFORMATICIST IN SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
- RESOURCES
- McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge(5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 9, “Systems Development Life Cycle: Nursing Informatics and Organizational Decision Making” (pp. 191–204)
- Chapter 12, “Electronic Security” (pp. 251–265)
- Chapter 13, “Achieving Excellence by Managing Workflow and Initiating Quality Projects”
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.a). Health IT evaluation toolkit and evaluation measures quick reference guideLinks to an external site.. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://digital.ahrq.gov/health-it-evaluation-toolkit
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.b). Workflow assessment for health IT toolkitLinks to an external site.. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://digital.ahrq.gov/health-it-tools-and-resources/evaluation-resources/workflow-assessment-health-it-toolkit
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
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.
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.
Title: Role Description for Nurse Leader on Health Information Technology Implementation Team
Introduction:
The purpose of this role description is to outline the responsibilities and contributions of a graduate-level nurse who will be part of the implementation team for a new nursing documentation system within our healthcare unit. This nurse leader will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful integration of the new system and its acceptance by the nursing staff. The role will encompass various stages of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to facilitate a seamless transition and maximize the benefits of the new technology.
Role: Nurse Informaticist
Role Overview:
The Nurse Informaticist will act as a key liaison between the nursing staff and the implementation team, ensuring that the nursing perspective is considered at every stage of the SDLC. This role is pivotal in achieving the goal of implementing a user-friendly and efficient nursing documentation system that meets the needs of our healthcare unit.
Responsibilities:
- Planning and Requirements Definition:
- Collaborate with the implementation team to identify the specific needs and requirements of the nursing staff.
- Gather input from nurses, nurse managers, and other stakeholders to determine essential functionalities and preferences.
- Assist in creating a comprehensive project plan that aligns with nursing workflows and priorities.
- Analysis:
- Conduct workflow assessments to understand current nursing processes and identify areas that can be improved with the new system.
- Analyze data and feedback to inform system customization and configuration.
- Identify potential challenges and barriers to successful implementation and propose solutions.
- Design of the New System:
- Participate in the design phase to ensure that the new system aligns with nursing best practices and standards.
- Collaborate with the IT team and vendors to customize the system to meet nursing requirements.
- Review and provide feedback on system prototypes and mock-ups to ensure user-friendliness and functionality.
- Implementation:
- Serve as a nursing advocate during system implementation, addressing concerns and providing guidance to the nursing staff.
- Assist in developing and delivering training programs tailored to the nursing team’s needs.
- Monitor the system’s rollout, offering support and troubleshooting assistance as needed.
- Post-Implementation Support:
- Continue to gather feedback from nurses and nurse managers regarding system performance and user experience.
- Identify opportunities for system enhancements or optimizations based on user input and changing healthcare needs.
- Facilitate communication between nursing staff and IT support for ongoing issue resolution.
Qualifications:
- Graduate-level nurse with expertise in nursing informatics.
- Strong understanding of nursing workflows, documentation processes, and best practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with nursing staff, IT professionals, and other stakeholders.
- Project management skills to contribute to the successful implementation of health information technology.
- Ability to adapt to change and a commitment to improving patient care through technology.
Conclusion:
The Nurse Informaticist plays a critical role in the successful implementation of a new nursing documentation system. By actively engaging in the SDLC stages, this individual ensures that the system is user-friendly, aligned with nursing needs, and enhances the quality of care provided within our healthcare unit. This role description serves as a guideline for the responsibilities and expectations of the Nurse Informaticist, who will be a valuable asset to our implementation team.