The following papers were published a few days ago.
J Am Med Inform Assoc 2013;20:e9-e13 doi:10.1136/amiajnl-2013-001684
- Perspectives
Ten key considerations for the successful implementation and adoption of large-scale health information technology
Abstract
The implementation of health information technology interventions is at the forefront of most policy agendas internationally. However, such undertakings are often far from straightforward as they require complex strategic planning accompanying the systemic organizational changes associated with such programs. Building on our experiences of designing and evaluating the implementation of large-scale health information technology interventions in the USA and the UK, we highlight key lessons learned in the hope of informing the on-going international efforts of policymakers, health directorates, healthcare management, and senior clinicians.
The full article - freely accessible is found here:
This introduction should be enough to encourage careful reading of the whole article.
Introduction
Large-scale, potentially transformative, implementations of health information technology are now being planned and undertaken in multiple countries.1 ,2 The hope is that the very substantial financial, human, and organizational investments being made in electronic health records, electronic prescribing, whole-system telehealthcare, and related technologies will streamline individual and organizational work processes and thereby improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care. The reality is, however, that these technologies may prove frustrating for frontline clinicians and organizations as the systems may not fit their usual workflows, and the anticipated individual and organizational benefits take time to materialize.3 ,4 In this article, we reflect on our mapping of the literature (see box 1) and complement this with our experiences of studying a range of national evaluations of various large-scale health information technology systems in the UK and USA to provide key pointers that can help streamline implementation efforts.4 ,52–54 In so doing, we hope to inform policy and practice development to support the more successful integration of technology into complex healthcare environments. This is particularly timely given the US Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which includes a $19 billion stimulus package to promote the adoption of electronic health records and associated functionality.55
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The paper provides Ten key considerations for the successful implementation of health information technology which make a great deal of sense to me!
I will leave it to you to work out how close DoHA and NEHTA have got to these insights
This article is part of a JAMIA special edition. The contents page is found here:
A useful introduction to the whole issue is found here:
Also included and freely accessible is a policy document from AMIA on EHR useability and safety.
Enhancing patient safety and quality of care by improving the usability of electronic health record systems: recommendations from AMIA
- Blackford Middleton,
- Meryl Bloomrosen,
- Mark A Dente,
- Bill Hashmat,
- Ross Koppel,
- J Marc Overhage,
- Thomas H Payne,
- S Trent Rosenbloom,
- Charlotte Weaver,
- Jiajie Zhang
Abstract
In response to mounting evidence that use of electronic medical record systems may cause unintended consequences, and even patient harm, the AMIA Board of Directors convened a Task Force on Usability to examine evidence from the literature and make recommendations. This task force was composed of representatives from both academic settings and vendors of electronic health record (EHR) systems. After a careful review of the literature and of vendor experiences with EHR design and implementation, the task force developed 10 recommendations in four areas: (1) human factors health information technology (IT) research, (2) health IT policy, (3) industry recommendations, and (4) recommendations for the clinician end-user of EHR software. These AMIA recommendations are intended to stimulate informed debate, provide a plan to increase understanding of the impact of usability on the effective use of health IT, and lead to safer and higher quality care with the adoption of useful and usable EHR systems.
The whole paper is found here:
Good to see these quality and safety issues associated with EHRs getting thorough discussion and review.
Enough reading for the whole week…
David.
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