Proposed Plan to Improve Quality and Safety
It is vital to apply the decision support system to improve the quality of care and safety. Decision support systems are computer-aided programs applied in the analysis of data captured in electronic health records and assist care providers in implementing evidence-based guidelines while providing care (CDC, 2020). Decision support systems are, therefore, a critical aspect of nursing informatics.
The use of decision support systems leads to safer care, although it may impair critical thinking if not adequately planned and implemented. The fact that the application of decision support systems, at times, causes a delay in the nursing job implies that it may also reduce the quality of care. Therefore, it is imperative to take elaborate steps to ensure proper design and implementation of decision support systems to improve health outcomes.
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The first step is to involve nurse managers in the system selection, design, and implementation because they have the knowledge and experience on which system mainly suits the facility. The choice of a sound system based on consultation usually motivates nurses if their input is sort because they become part of the process. Secondly, it is vital to design an efficient process. The simple nature of the process will ensure that it is understood by all nurses and, therefore, used accordingly and effectively. The objective is to minimize mistakes while improving care outcomes (Darvish et al., 2014). Closely related to that is the fact that it is vital to record system compatibility guidelines. Determining if the chosen system is compatible with the facilities or the hospital’s culture is of the essence because it relates to the overall performance in regards to safety and improving health outcomes. The next step is to improve the system speed to expedite the delivery of care. The next step involves the selection of hardware and software that is simple and interesting to encourage the nurses to use the system. Finally, upgrading the system invention and innovation of information technology improves the quality of care.
Analysis of Technology with the Context of Practice
The use of decision support systems, as a critical aspect of information technology, helps the physicians and the nurses to solve problems, both simple and complex, particularly in cases that require specific decisions. The idea is to allow the system to formulate knowledge and produce it when the need arises. It is worth noting that expert systems are the most common types of clinical decision support systems. They have various applications that include but not limited to diagnostic support, decision support, development of critical treatment plan, and interpretation of pictures, prescriptions, and formulation of recovery plans.
The systems are effective when integrated with knowledge management plans. Shahmoradi, Safadari and Jimma (2017) emphasize that, being a knowledge-driven sector, the implementation of knowledge management plans is paramount in the health sector. The determination of the best possible plan depends on combining explicit and implicit knowledge with proper management skills. For the systems to function appropriately, having a logical design is necessary. Easy access to the decision support system and application of the stipulated guides provides easy access to updated clinical evidence has the propensity of reducing medical mistakes, thereby improving the quality of care. Another consideration is the logical assembly and design of the system, which is integral to success. Furthermore, support and maintenance of the system of the software and hardware applications, integration with the existing systems within the hospital, and the patient records should receive due consideration. Notably, the use of intelligent and smart tools for diagnosis and the subsequent treatment can reduce cost, medical errors, and improve the quality of care.
Effects of Government Policies on the Plan
Various laws and regulations are in place in place to protect the personal health information of American patients. The law accords the patients the right to privacy. Additionally, the patients have the right to share information with the healthcare providers who should handle the information with discretion and confidentiality in the best interest of the patient. For instance, the Privacy Act of 1974 regulates the information that the agencies of the federal government and the government collect. The legislation allows citizens, in this case, patients, to know the information collected about them. It means that nurses and other caregivers should disclose to the patient the information that they have on them. Another government regulation that affects the use of nursing informatics, specifically the decision support system, is the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records rule that permits advocates for alcohol or drug abuse programs (Dykes & Collins, 2013, 4). It means that healthcare providers should treat the diagnosis, identity, and treatment as confidential information. It is worth noting that data remains confidential, even in cases where the patient is impaired.
Strategies for Communicating and Collaborating to Improve Health Outcomes with Patients and Inter-Professional Teams
Clarity in the communication process is vital. Teams in healthcare consist of various professionals that conduct different roles such as diagnosticians, medication experts, prescribers, and the members of the team that attend to the patient’s daily needs. While some members within the collaborating team will take up leading roles, every member should have the opportunity to contribute. The clarity in communication, particularly on the role of each individual is essential. Another important element and strategy in team communication is trust and confidence. The development of confidence is hard to realize, especially in cases where the teams keep changing. Allowing members of the team to work together for long will ensure that they build trust and confidence in one another’s ability (Bosch & Mansell, 2015, 177). The ability to overcome personal differences and adversity is crucial in ensuring proper communication. Healthcare providers should learn to embrace adversity, meaning that they should accept that patients and colleagues may belong to different cultures. The focus should be on the common goal, which is to improve the quality of care. Perceiving team diversity as the strength will facilitate problem-solving innovation.
References
Bosch, B., & Mansell, H. (2015). Inter-professional collaboration in health care: Lessons to be learned from competitive sports. Canadian Pharmacists Journal/Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada , 148 (4), 176-179.
CDC. (2020). Implementing Clinical Decision Support Systems . Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/pubs/docs/Best_Practice_Guide_CDSS_508.pdf
Darvish, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Keyhanian, S., & Navidhamidi, M. (2014). The role of nursing informatics on promoting quality of health care and the need for appropriate education. Global journal of health science , 6 (6), 11.
Dykes, P., & Collins, S. (2013). Building linkages between nursing care and improved patient outcomes: The role of health information technology. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing , 18 (3), 4.
Shahmoradi, L., Safadari, R., & Jimma, W. (2017). Knowledge Management Implementation and the Tools Utilized in Healthcare for Evidence-Based Decision Making: A Systematic Review. Ethiopian journal of health sciences, 27 (5), 541–558.
