Introduction
The adoption of technologies, particularly EHRs, in small hospitals has been slow despite their perceived benefits at the organizational level. Instead, most of the available literature have concentrated on EHRS implementation in large clinical settings. This gap happens regardless of the fact that both environments have similar needs when it comes to enhancing patient care. Concentrating on a small New York-based hospital, this essay discusses EHRs implementation using Rogers’ (2003) qualities as a guideline to successful change. These qualities include relative advantage, compatibility, simplicity, trialability, and observability.
Relative Advantage
First, relative advantage refers to a product’s extent of technical attractiveness to users over similar alternatives. According to Rogers (2003), the concept implies that individuals adopting a new technology must explore the suggestion that it can be an improvement over that status quo. Electronic health record systems (EHRs) are technologies that capture records of patients’ longitudinal health information in care delivery environments (Rogers, 2003). Lorenzi et al. (2009) note that this product will allow us to store a wide array of patient information. The information includes, but not limited to, progress notes, demographics, vital signs, medical histories, immunization, and laboratory reports. Ideally, unlike our current system, the EHRs will automate and streamline the entire clinical workflow. This information is evidence that the system has a relative advantage over our current recording keeping procedures (Lorenzi et al., 2009).
Compatibility
Second, new technologies should always be compatible with existing practices and values. Rogers (2003) suggests that the compatibility aspect presents a situation where adopters look into understanding how the new technology aligns with the status quo. This facility has long valued the need to offer quality and safe care to its patients at affordable prices (Rogers, 2003). According to Bates (2010), EHRs have the ability to exchange information in ways that can help us attain this value in practice. The system will help us better manage patient care and offer superior health care through the following. First, the system will be at the forefront in the provision of accurate and updated patient information. Second, it will enable all nurses to have quick access to patient records for efficiency in care delivery. Third, the system encompasses a pioneer program that ensures a significant reduction in medical errors, improved provider interaction, and reduced privacy issues (Bates, 2010).
Simplicity
Third, simplicity means that the nurses must believe that they can master the new technology with ease. According to Rogers (2003), the more difficult learning a new system is, the greater the chances that resistance happens. Furthermore, Topaz et al. (2013) note that EHRs implementation aims at having a record system that stores and disseminates patients’ information in ways that respect accuracy, simplicity, safety and timeliness among other important factors. Our management needed to place adequate attention to the practical elements underlying the EHRs implementation process for ultimate success. Given such considerations, it was on the lookout for a system that would be flexible, adaptable, understandable, and installable by any local authorized user. Such characteristics imply that the EHRs best meets the simple needs of this organization at all critical levels (Rogers, 2003; Topaz et al., 2013).
Trialability
Furthermore, trialability refers to the idea that nurses should have the opportunity to try out new technologies and explore their capabilities concerning the current workplace. According to Cresswell and Sheikh (2009), the trial stage is essential to the realization of the full potential of any EHRs. The trial phase will comprise of the following instances. First, there will be a super user trail in the initial implementation stages. These users are those individuals trained to go through the system and share tips, techniques and hints with fellow workers. The second instance will include role-based trials. This step involves tailored trail sessions based on the responsibilities of individual staff members. The last instance will involve process-based trials. This case introduces the system to staff members who wish to understand additional workflows such as clinical summaries (Cresswell & Sheikh, 2009).
Observable Results
Finally, observable results quality means that adopters must have evidence that the innovation has been successful in other work environments. EHRs have the ability to support evidence-based decision-making, outcome reporting, and quality assurance. The physicians will have access to accurate and complete information on the importance of EHRs in healthcare delivery. Indeed, studies and resources show that EHRs can improve the ability of physicians to reduce medical errors and improve care outcomes. We could invite external users to offer important evidence that EHRs produce clinical benefits as per practice setting (Topaz et al., 2013).
Nurses as Change Agents
The following is a discussion of the roles of nurses as change agents. First, nurses have a role to play in the consistent communication and giving feedback about the new technology. They should act as the facility’s advocates in offering feedback based on their experiences in various implementation phases. Second, they act as educators on the basic elements individuals need to know during the implementation process. Third, they are vital in empowering the team into becoming active change agents. Finally, they develop S.M.A.R.T goals to act as guidelines towards successful change (Topaz et al., 2013).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the above discussion shows that one can use Rogers’ (2003) five qualities to help guide change in the implementation of EHRs. It presents the nurse leader as a professional with the ability to act as a guide in encouraging change during the adoption of new technologies. The reason behind this suggestion is that the rest of the nursing staff and other employees always look up to them. Thus, they are bound to notice and adopt the positive emotion when these leaders show a commitment to getting through to the proposed change. The steps followed here show an organization that is ready to implement EHRs for optimal efficiency. Indeed, this facility would most likely adjust and achieve successful change if it follows these procedures.
References
Bates, D. W. (2010). Getting in step: Electronic health records and their role in care coordination. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 25(3), 174-176.
Cresswell, K., & Sheikh, A. (2009). The NHS Care Record Service: Recommendations from the literature on successful implementation and adoption. Informatics in Primary Care, 17(3), 153-160.
Lorenzi, N., Bloomrosen, M., Detmer, D., & Kouroubali, A. (2009). How to successfully select and implement electronic health records (EHR) in small ambulatory practice settings. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 9 (15), DOI: 10.1186/1472-6947-9-15.
Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press.
Topaz, M., Aditi, R., Creber, R., & Kathryn, B. (2013). Educating Clinicians on New Elements Incorporated Into the Electronic Health Record. Journal of Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 31 (8), 375–379.
