Implementing a data migration and monitoring project in a healthcare setting is a complex aim that requires high-quality project management, both in regard to planning, strategic implementation, and risk mitigation. In this particular case, the aim is to implement an intervention in regards to the switch from one EHR (Cerner) to a more user-friendly one (Epic). However, the subcategory that will be discussed is the aim to employ Monitoring Compliance of IV Pumps. From the perspective of project management, the objective requires efficient strategic planning in regard to cooperation between stakeholders, task delegation, and timeline implementation.
The following drivers deliver certain concepts related to project implementation: the Boards of Directors of the 17 hospitals, Information Technology and Engineering departments staff, Project Managers in each institution, Nursing Education staff, Informatics Departments, Hospital Department Managers, Supervisors, and users of Epic EHR. Hence, the aforementioned drivers directly participate in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the integration. It is also essential to identify stakeholders who have a specific interest in the process of implementation and the results following the implementation (Hebda & Mascara, 2012). In regards to external stakeholders, the Boards of Directors, patients, regulatory agencies, and suppliers of the software are included. The internal stakeholders who are impacted directly include medical directors, project teams in each hospital, clinical research staff members, clinicians, and project managers. They are needed in regards to project implementation as well as approval as negative consequences suggest the employment of the strategy is not a strategically effective decision. The consideration of both drivers and stakeholders is vital as such techniques ensure smooth transitions and positive results afterward.
The role of project managers and the overall management office in technological integration is extended beyond supervision and monitoring the process. While effective management can facilitate positive organizational outcomes, its lack or ineffective approaches may result in health risks and organizational problems. An example is the implementation of adequate data analysis techniques, which, in turn, helps minimize risks related to impaired IV pump monitoring techniques (Garcia-Dia, 2019). Risk mitigation is addressed during the planning phase of the project, which is especially crucial in interventions within the healthcare field. Overwise, the well-being of the general population, can be compromised. Another essential consideration that illustrates the importance of project management is the creation of communication channels between departments as it relates to collaboration (Garcia-Dia, 2019). Hence, the project managers create circumstances in which clinicians report errors, clinical engineers address them, and data analysts examine potential patterns. Suppose communication is not at the core of the project management initiative. In that case, it is likely that certain stakeholders will actively participate, while the lack of participation from others will hinder potential benefits. On the other hand, resilience on all levels and in collaborating departments correlates with overall project success.
Based on the aforementioned examination of project management related to technological implementations within the healthcare industry, it is certain that considering drivers and stakeholders is essential in determining goals, risks, and benefits. Moreover, strategic planning, monitoring techniques, and evaluation measures contribute to risk mitigation and benefit maximization. Project management also implies that collaboration among team members, departments, and overall stakeholders is not hindered but adequately improved so that cooperation promotes resilience and systemic change. As a result, it is inevitable that the employment of such strategies and the consideration of the aforementioned concepts assists project managers in successful completion.
References
Garcia-Dia, M. J. (2019). Project Management in nursing informatics. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Hebda, T., & Mascara, C. (2012). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses and healthcare professionals. Prentice Hall Health.