In modern society, computers have become an ordinary reality embraced at all levels, particularly in health institutions. The use of computer technology has significantly helped health workers cope with complexities and efficiencies as required at various levels of work. In several ways, technology has improved service delivery through increased accuracy. Today, assessments and all essential details are stored in computers, making transmitting information from one department to the other easier (Kia et al., 2022). This paper analyzes the nursing role in information systems selection, with the critical responsibility being to make shared decisions.
Due to increasing computer use and benefits in health institutions, new nursing roles emerge as it appertains to information systems selection. The rapid changes and complexities of computer systems make it necessary for nursing leaders to understand several key issues properly. To ensure quick comprehension, a nurse must play an active role in computer implementations in clinical practices (Kia et al., 2022). Since nurses are vital participants in information systems use, they are responsible for assessing whether its use is beneficial in improving service delivery.
Moreover, nurses are required to be versed with the current changes in technologies to help them determine the most appropriate system that has the potential to boost the level of service delivery. Having proper knowledge of the new technology also facilitates the nurse in identifying flaws associated with the prior information systems and places the need for essential changes to be enacted (Ko et al., 2018). Being updated on the new technological changes enables the nurse leader to ensure the selected system gives the necessary security to the information stored, reducing unauthorized access by hackers.
Nurse leaders must also design engaging and interactive activities aligned with the selected technology system. A lack of formal collaborative events might make a well-selected system ineffective. In simple terms, a sound system needs to be aligned with desirable activities to enhance its performance (Kuek & Hakkennes, 2020). Therefore, a clinical expert is responsible for preparing the information processing by using flow charts that highlight clinical systems aspects.
In addition, in making decisions involving the selection of information systems, a nurse leader is expected to ensure proper education to the staff on the existing research in administration or research. This helps enlighten the system users on the need to make appropriate selections of good information software that would help meet the current requirements of the institution. Moreover, it is essential to realize that a new system usually creates the need for new techniques and skills (Ko et al., 2018). As a result, nursing leaders are responsible for ensuring workers are well-equipped with the necessary innovative expertise. The leader can devise in-service training for all workers to instill the required knowledge to operate the newly selected system.
Finally, a nurse leader can design research to determine the impact of the newly selected system in the institution. The evaluation can be done by comparing previous outcomes before the introduction of technology with the current results. On the other hand, the effect can be accessed through interactive questionnaires that collect information from system users on its effectiveness in the organization. Although such evaluation activities might have significant cost implications for the company, they are deemed necessary as they help determine the system’s existing cost and benefit. Therefore, it is clear that although information system is primarily used in most organizations today, it requires the input of a good nurse leader who plays an essential role in their selection.
References
Kia, A. S., Beheshti, M., & Shahmoradi, L. (2022). Health Information Systems Evaluation Criteria: Overview of Systematic Reviews. Frontiers in Health Informatics, 11(1), 120.
Ko, M., Wagner, L., & Spetz, J. (2018). Nursing home implementation of health information technology: Review of the literature finds inadequate investment in preparation, infrastructure, and training. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 55, 0046958018778902.
Kuek, A., & Hakkennes, S. (2020). Healthcare staff digital literacy levels and their attitudes towards information systems. Health informatics journal, 26(1), 592-612.