Question #1
The major problem, in this case, is poor implementation of the new electronic clinical documentations system by the end users. The problem is likely to have been caused by the hurried implementation, inadequate training, and minimum involvement of the end users during the early stages of the project.
Question #2
I agree with the nurses’ views regarding the differences existing between pediatrics hospitals and intensive care units, and adult hospitals. The conditions handled as well as the workflows in each respective setting are different, and each one should be treated independently. There might be some similarities between adult and pediatric settings, but there are also many differences between them regarding computer resources (hardware), the level of computer literacy, unit design, patient populations, work processes, and information documented (Wager, Lee, & Glaser, 2013).
Question #3
The workflow issues, as well as other concerns mentioned in this case, would have been detected earlier if the project team had spent more time to do thorough evaluation and analysis of the project. The project team ought to have performed adequate test-runs before rolling out the project in the whole facility. Further, the involvement of the key stakeholders during the initial stages would have helped a lot in the identification of potential challenges during the implementation.
Question #4
As part of the leadership team at Garrison, I would have to find out whether there has been any positive change since the implementation of the clinical electronic documentation system in all units. I would assess this by complaining the current situation and the situation before implementation of the new systems. The next thing to be done is to find out a solution. I would ask the experts and project team to investigate whether the systems are work effectively and efficiently and to identify the major challenges. Then the next step is to address the concerns raised by the end users. It appears there was the inadequate training of the end-users. A new training program will have to be developed to train the users again on the use of the new system. Finally, I would organize a joint meeting with all stakeholders and agree on performance targets to be achieved. I will promise rewards for units who meet or exceeded their targets. This approach is necessary because there is a need to find out if there is system flaw that was not evident during system evaluation and analysis. It is also important to ensure that all end-users of the system are adequately trained on how to use the new systems. Finally, the end-users need to be motivated to switch to the new system.
Question #5
There are pertinent that can be learned from this case study. One of the lessons is that no two projects are similar. Project implementation in one setting may not work in another setting due to certain differences. There is a need to involve all stakeholders during the early stages of project development. Projects need to be thoroughly evaluated and analyzed before proceeding to the implementation stage. Further, before handing over a project to the end-users, it pays to spend time and resources to ensure that that the users are competent enough to adopt it with ease. Once a project has been handed over to the users, it is also important to evaluate it to find out whether it solved a problem or created more problems. The people using it need to give their views regarding the project o that their concerns are addressed.
References
Wager, K., Lee, F., & Glaser, J. (Eds.). (2013). Health care information systems: A practical approach to health care management. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
