Background
It is hard to disagree that project implementations are challenging but necessary stages that every healthcare organization encounters from time to time. Medical facilities and their internal processes need to be upgraded according to modern requirements and opportunities. What is more, it may be crucial for an organization to revamp the care plan documentation within its existing electronic medical record, which is essentially what the hospital in question aims at. Nevertheless, despite the importance of such a project, its implementation may be quite difficult and make the hospital’s team members face numerous obstacles and risks. Consequently, the process should be under the surveillance of specific experts, and this is why SME guidance, feedback, and engagement are required (Southern Cross University, n.d.). The purpose of this paper is to answer certain questions related precisely to the value and benefits of SMEs (subject matter experts). The following items will be covered: a brief explanation of workflow analysis and design, the need for SME guidance and feedback, and the advantages of SME engagement that will be realized through implementation and expected outcomes.
Workflow Analysis and Design
To begin with, proper workflow analysis and design can allow for various benefits. For instance, they are the hospital’s higher competitive advantage, enhanced productivity and patient satisfaction, better employee engagement, and simplification of multiple processes (“Workflow Analysis Fixes the Holes in Your Business Processes,” 2022). To find the need in the medical facility in question, selected specialists examined the existing documentation, compared it with the current requirements, and checked its relevancy. Additionally, the hospital’s staff members who deal with the electronic medical record have been interviewed, as recommended by specialists (“Workflow Analysis Fixes the Holes,” 2022). After getting the data, a decision was made to revamp the documentation. This step will allow the health workers to have a more enhanced and effective documenting system, fostering the hospital’s performance. To ensure successful implementation of the project, SMEs are identified from each nursing unit and ancillary department.
Importance of SME Guidance and Feedback
The role and significance of SMEs in the process under discussion may be confusing. At the same time, they are actually needed to provide effective guidance and feedback throughout every implementation phase (Southern Cross University, n.d.). As noticed by Taylor (2017), subject matter experts have extensive understanding and knowledge about healthcare technological solutions, better documentation storage techniques, and ways to update documentation within the existing electronic medical record. SMEs will guide the healthcare teams, define the current efficiency of the implementation process, and adapt medical workers to changes. They will give necessary prompts and guidelines to make sure that all potential obstacles are overcome and the focus remains on achieving the expected outcomes (Taylor, 2017). Moreover, assigning a subject matter expert will relieve hospital managers from the need for prior training of specific employees because SMEs will bring the required expertise. As for their feedback, it will be more structured and informative, with the emphasis being put on the most crucial aspects of every implementation stage, while other team members can miss reporting something essential.
Benefits of SME Engagement
Overall, it is evident that the benefits of SME engagement will be realized through implementation and expected outcomes. For instance, one of the advantages is a more simplified and risk-free process that is not interrupted by a lack of knowledge or competence in the matter (Taylor, 2017). Another benefit is that the desired result, namely, updated documentation, will be achieved in a timely manner and without errors. What is more, medical team members will not need to provide feedback as this role will be assigned to professionals who will make it more informative and use it to correct the implementation phases if required. Finally, in relation to the key objectives of the process, SMEs can offer the workers valuable knowledge and skills, improving their performance and engagement.
References
Southern Cross University. (n.d.). How subject matter experts can help and hinder projects. ITM Platform.
Taylor, K. H. (2017). Partnering with subject-matter experts. My American Nurse.
Workflow analysis fixes the holes in your business processes. (2022). Kissflow.