Introducing technology is associated with an array of reactions. Whereas some technologies are perceived positively and embraced very fast, others face some resistance and their integration into the desired environment may be rather slow. The latter is the apparent case for electronic health records (EHR) system, which is meant to make work easier, but the nurses fail to understand this and instead deem it as an invasion to the already prevailing sociocultural structure. Therefore, this paper aims at discussing the adoption strategy for this system so that it can gain momentum in usage within the hospital.
I will use the five paramount qualities as discussed by Rogers (2003, p. 15-17) to show the essence of EHR in delivery of health care. To begin with Rogers indicates that the relative advantage, which is the ability of an innovation to yield better results than those which are realized by an already existing but outmoded technique, determines the receipt of new technology (2003. p.15). Despite the fact that there has been mixed evidence with regard to the quality of EHR, according to Bates (2010), it is important to note that most of this evidence is based on cross-sectional studies that require verification from more valid studies such as randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, EHR has been associated with reduced costs and improved performance with regard to preventive care and management of medical supplies when decisions have already been made as opposed to making decisions guided by the EHR while delivering care (Murphy, 2011; Bates, 2010, p. 174). I presume that the nurses are informed of the instances of failure realized in some institutions, but according to Darwin’s model of imperatives for change, attitude greatly influences the manner in which change is executed. Fickenscher & Bakerman (2011, p. 64) second this model in their view that change is a personal endeavor that is influenced by feelings of adequacy/inadequacy, entitlement, personal mastery, personal gain and a sense of loss. Therefore, the nurses need to learn of the benefits of the EHR in comparison to some of its setbacks, which are common during the introduction of mega projects (Cresswell & Sheikh, 2009, p. 155).
Sensitizing the nurses on the importance of EHR in enhancing interconnection among all the health care professionals is essential. The new technology may seem like a threat to the profession of the individual health workers, but the nurses need to understand that it has not been invented for this purpose. The EHR aims at building powerful relationships among the health workers, who will be largely involved in exchange of health care information to enhance delivery of care. This is no doubt a new project whose actual failures have not been established while controlling for attitudes and perceptions from the end-users. I will enlighten the nurses on the need to have a positive perception on the new technology because realization of benefits with regard to the new technology begins with each one of them.
Available literature does not indicate that EHR violates any of the existing values within the health care fraternity; thus, I will help the nurses realize that the EHR is compatible with their nursing practice values and norms. Values and norms upheld during delivery of care are not be jeopardized; thus, nurses should embrace this new technology without restraint. As a matter of fact, this new technology should be viewed as that which reduced paperwork and enables nurses to gain exposure to different health care conditions without having to move an inch. On a different note, Murphy (2011) indicates the complexity entailed in the integration of manual activities and use of the computer, but this can be overcome through teamwork and effective leadership strategies. This new technology is viewed as that which seemingly monitors the operations of the health care workers. However, this should not be of paramount concern because as long as one is doing what they have always been doing to save lives, no one is kept vigil to monitor each move made by health workers. Nurses need to understand that the EHR is merely tools intended to globalize the health care sector and, as a matter of fact, give the health workers more power as they learn from each other. Thereby, the health care sector will prove more reliable and more people can seek medical services.
New technology is always perceived a complex step. Therefore, to aid in this endeavor, I will propose the use of the five implementation elements as discussed by Gruber, Darragh, Puccia, Kadric, & Bruce (2010, p. 30). The nurse leaders and the hospital administrators will make up the implementation team to oversee that their juniors do not encounter challenges with the new technology. Secondly, no one will be crucified if they make mistakes because this is expected in any implementation of a new technique. The staff will be instilled with the relevant computer skills to enable them adopt the EHR. They will be grouped to facilitate peer learning and interaction, which are crucial for the collaborative use of the EHR. The fifth and most important element is maintenance through a positive attitude and hard work. Thus, the nurses will be encouraged to remain diligent and optimistic about the EHR system.
Trialability is the other characteristics of innovation that determines how the individuals perceive a change. According to Hyrkäs & Harvey (2010), diffusion of technology should adopt a stepwise approach that is facilitated by a supportive leader. Mooney & Boyle (2011) also recommend the use of a stepwise approach in the implementation process. The owners of the technology, those in charge of the implementation process and the end-users should understand each other. The end user needs time and allowance to make mistakes and learn; otherwise, this would create a more negative perception that would automatically result in failure. Other than trialability, a stepwise implementation process makes it possible to have observable outcomes that act as a motivation factor.
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.
Fickenscher, K., & Bakerman, M. (2011). Change management in health care IT. Physician Executive, 37(2), 64–67.
Gruber, N., Darragh, J., Puccia, P. H., Kadric, D. S., & Bruce, S. (2010). Embracing change to improve performance. Long-Term Living: For the Continuing Care Professional, 59(1), 28–31.
Hyrkäs, K., & Harvey, K. (2010).Leading innovation and change. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(1), 1–3.
Mooney, B. L., & Boyle, A. M. (2011).10 steps to successful EHR implementation. Medical Economics, 88(9), S4–6, S8–S11.
Murphy, J. (2011). Leading from the future: Leadership makes a difference during electronic health record implementation. Frontiers of Health Services Management, 28(1), 25–30.
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press.