A process that needs to be improved in my organization is the patient admission and discharge process. The three concepts that I would use are benchmarking, data gathering, and usability evaluation.
Benchmarking
This is the evaluation of other organizations’ best practices and metrics and determining how they can be applied to one’s organization (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.b.). I will use this as basis for the changes that need to be made in my organization’s workflows. For example, I would examine the processes of St. Johns Hopkins Hospital and see if I can pattern my organization’s workflow design to theirs.
Data Gathering
Data gathering is the process of identifying requirements or actions (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.b.). I can use this to identify the workflow issues that need to be addressed in my organization, as well as the action steps or tasks that need to be completed to address these issues.
Usability Evaluation
This is conducted to determine how user friendly a system is (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.b.). I can use this to determine if the implemented system is able to effectively address the issues identified at the onset and whether changes to the system need to be made.
The article I have chosen to improve the workflow in my organization is the article titled Implementation of workflow engine technology to deliver basic clinical decision support functionality by Huser, Rasmussen, Oberg et al. (2011). It taled about the use of workflow engine technology in the implementation of decision support capabilities within an EHR (electronic health record) system. I can use the information in this article to determine how a workflow engine software can be used to enhance the workflow design for my organization.
Technology on Workflow
Technology can help enhance an organization’s workflow as it results in fewer errors and more efficient processes (Vanderfeesten, Reijers & van der Aalst, n.d.). The use of technology reduces the need for manual work. However, it is important to first ensure that the technology is configured and set up correctly such that it is able to run all the processes correctly and accurately.
References
Huser, V., Rasmussen, L. V., Oberg, R., & Starren, J. B. (2011). Implementation of workflow
engine technology to deliver basic clinical decision support functionality. BMC Medical
Research Methodology, 11(1), 43-61. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.b). Workflow assessment for health IT
toolkit. Retrieved, June 18, 2012, from
http://healthit.ahrq.gov/portal/server.pt/community/health_it_tools_and_resources/919/w
orkflow_assessment_for_health_it_toolkit/27865
Vanderfeesten, I., Reijers, H. A. & van der Aalsy, W. M. P. (n.d.). Evaluating workflow process
designs using cohesion and coupling metrics. Retrieved from http://bpmcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/reports/2007/BPM-07-02.pdf
