Introduction
The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is an approach to the development of information systems (IS) in any field that allows you to structure and organize the process to track progress at all stages. The proposed scenario outlines the process of developing an IS for clinical sites that meets users’ needs. SDLC also consists of several phases that can be implemented in parallel or sequentially. The graduate-level nurse plays a vital role throughout the process, ensuring the system aligns with healthcare goals.
SDLC Process in Nursing
The SDLC process may vary depending on the chosen approach, but the key steps remain the same. The first stage is planning, during which essential project requirements and timelines must be determined (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2022). The role of a graduate-level nurse is to collaborate with key stakeholders to define specific requirements, assess risks associated with the system’s operation, and familiarize the team with the main processes. The analysis phase evaluates how well the planned system aligns with the organization’s business goals and patient-centered approach (Risling & Risling, 2020). The nurse’s task is to compare the IT analyst’s information with the potential negative impact the system may have on patient safety.
The next step is to design a detailed system based on the requirements and analysis. The design phase also includes identifying the required hardware and software, as they play an essential role in maintaining the smooth operation of the IS (Alzayed & Khalfan, 2022). After this, one can approach the development of the system and its key components.
Moreover, to reduce project implementation time, at this stage it is possible to test the IS and train users in its use principles (Joseph et al., 2022). It will help optimize processes by identifying system issues early and eliminating them. In addition, even after the project is completed, IS requires ongoing maintenance and updates. Because the nurse is one of the healthcare providers who will regularly use the system, they can better understand which features and updates may be beneficial. Moreover, they are more likely to identify problems with the IS and help resolve them.
The implementation of this project is a joint effort of various specialists, the key among them being IT analysts and program coordinators. In this case, it is best to select a project manager from the area in which the developed system will be used (Alzayed & Khalfan, 2022). The benefits of engaging a community health nurse may include ensuring the system is relevant to healthcare needs by understanding clinical workflows. Moreover, the manager will be able to balance clinical and administrative workflow during project implementation (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, n.d.).
At the same time, the main challenge for nurses involved in IS development is a lack of knowledge of the technical aspects of the work, which prevents them from assessing the extent to which the proposed solutions can be implemented in practice. In addition, SDLC coordination is complicated by limited resources, including time, human resources, and financial resources. Therefore, to fulfill this role, a healthcare provider must have theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experience in management and healthcare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SDLC is a dynamic process that ensures the developed IS is relevant to the organization’s and community’s needs. This approach allows one to structure the work process, establishing the project’s critical stages and the deadlines for their implementation. Moreover, using different SDLC models helps reduce project implementation time and ensures adaptability throughout the project. In developing health information systems, the involvement of healthcare professionals such as nurses is critical to balancing the administrative and clinical aspects of IS.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.). Health IT evaluation toolkit and evaluation measures quick reference guide. Digital Healthcare Research.
Alzayed, A., & Khalfan, A. (2022). Understanding top management involvement in SDLC phases. Journal of Software, 17(3), 87-120.
Joseph, A.L., Stringer, E., Borycki, E.M., & Kushniruk, A.W. (2022). Evaluative frameworks and models for Health Information Systems (HIS) and Health Information Technologies (HIT). Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 289, 280-285.
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Risling, T. L., & Risling, D. E. (2020). Advancing nursing participation in user-centred design. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(3), 226-238.