The use of information technologies has become beneficial for organizations operating in various spheres. The healthcare system is no exception as health-related facilities use IT to address such areas as human resources, administration, finance, etc. Importantly, IT tools can help healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. For instance, the use of decision-making tool is an effective strategy that helps practitioners share data and make evidence-based decisions (Grim, Rosenberg, Svedberg, & Schön, 2017). Mental health facilities also benefit from the adoption of advanced workflow tools. Flowcharts can be essential as this IT application helps in managing numerous processes. This paper provides an analysis of some concepts related to the use of IT in workflow management in the mental health setting.
Key Concepts to Use
When assessing the major workflow tools, the use of flowcharts in workflow management seems the most urgent area to address in our facility. To be more precise, there is a lack in the finalization of flowcharts. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, by finalizing these tools, health-related organizations can diminish billing backlogs, effort duplication, and patient delays (“Finalize workflows,” n.d.). One of the major flaws in our system is the lack of the use of effective flowcharts. More importantly, these tools are often characterized by errors and inefficiency. These flaws are addressed in the course of work, which leads to various issues associated with workflow management. Therefore, finalization is essential to ensure the adoption of effective tools. The implementation of a new strategy and the use of a new tool should be properly checked and verified by a group of practitioners. When all the flaws are detected and eliminated, the new system can be used as a common practice.
Three Concepts to Redesign Our Workflow
It is possible to consider at least three concepts that can help in redesigning and improving the workflow in our facility. First, it is essential to focus on finalization, as has been mentioned above, flowcharts should be properly developed and accepted by the staff (“Finalize workflows,” n.d.). A newly developed tool should be tested by an initiative group that will identify any possible flaws or areas for improvement. This assessment will contribute to the finalization of the flowcharts. When the tool is finalized, it is possible to use it by the rest of the staff.
The second concept to pay attention to is related to postimplementation. Assessment and adjustment of IT tools to specific environments are vital stages that are often overlooked (“Assess workflows,” n.d.). In our facility, some practitioners are reluctant to use IT tools actively and pay little attention to improving their skills in this area. Such unwillingness and even negligence results in the use of ineffective systems and IT applications. In order to address these flaws in the system, it is necessary to encourage the staff to use flowcharts actively and provide feedback. Every hospital or even department can have peculiarities that make the use of standard tools ineffective. Adjustment is important in different settings.
The third concept to analyze is closely related to assessment as it is the use of IT applications for process improvement. Practitioners should complete reports and questionnaires that will reveal their ideas, concerns, difficulties, and suggestions (“Health IT,” n.d.). This information can help in developing the most effective tools that are properly adjusted to the existing working setting. Training can make our practitioners more willing to provide their feedback and use the tool more effectively. The staff should be aware of all the benefits of the use of this IT application.
Article Summary and Data to Be Used
The article in question dwells upon the use of flowcharts in psychiatric services. Although it does not address workflow-related issues directly, it can improve the current system. Grim et al. (2017) note that flowcharts are instrumental in the sphere of shared decision making (SMD). These IT tools can help practitioners trace any changes in patients’ and clients’ health conditions and respond accordingly. An important aspect of this framework is the development of a platform for knowledge sharing. The interaction between practitioners and users is facilitated by this strategy. This model can be used to improve our workflows. Treatment plans can include basic information and be facilitated by flowcharts where responsibilities and the input of different healthcare professionals are described. This precision is specifically important in the field of psychiatry where every action or even word can have adverse effects on patients’ wellbeing. Every healthcare practitioner will be able to complete daily tasks more effectively, and no duplication will occur.
Conclusion
All in all, it is necessary to note that the use of flowcharts is beneficial for workflow management as it eliminated duplication, creates a platform for knowledge sharing, and enables practitioners to make evidenced-based decisions. The implementation of flowchart-based projects can be facilitated by the focus on finalization, postimplementation, and assessment. In order to use this IT application in our facility effectively, it is important to encourage the staff to be more active when using flowcharts. Healthcare professionals will provide their feedback if they are motivated.
References
Assess workflows. (n.d.). Web.
Finalize workflows. (n.d.). Web.
Grim, K., Rosenberg, D., Svedberg, P., & Schön, U. (2017). Development and usability testing of a web-based decision support for users and health professionals in psychiatric services. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 40(3), 293-302. Web.
Health IT. (n.d.). Web.