Managing change during an information systems transition

AORN Journal,  June, 2002  by Barbara J. Barr

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Frequent and effective communication among individuals who share the same language, professional culture, and work environment is a key factor in the adoption of technology. By communicating in a manner that is constant, congruent, reliable, and honorable, leaders can move the information system innovation concept through the diffusion channels that enhance adoption by perioperative staff members.

Computer acceptance is a key determinant in fostering positive attitudes and facilitating successful learning. Information systems are critical resources for providing information essential to supporting patient care, administrative operations, and strategic decision-making. Many factors determine the direction of emerging health care technology, including new laws that mandate how nurses are expected to protect and distribute patient information. The implementation of a clinical information system represents a time of change and a significant challenge for nursing.

Table 1

ASSESSING COMPUTER SKILLS AND DATA IMPORTANCE (N=37)

Assessed Information                      Yes   Percent   No   Percent

Typing skills                              30        81    7        19
Edit text                                   3         8   34        92
Delete text                                 3         8   34        92
Insert text                                 3         8   34        92
Format text                                 3         8   34        92
Saving to disk                              3         8   34        92
Opening files                               3         8   34        92
Is computerized documentation valuable?    35      94.5    2       5.5
Want to learn more computer skills?        35      94.5    2       5.5
Is having data to analyze helpful for
  improving practice?                      20        54   17        46

NOTES

(1.) J L Parker, P A Abbott, "The new millennium brings nursing informatics into the OR," AORN Journal 72 (December 2000) 1011-1017.

(2.) E Miller, E Arquiza, "Improving computer skills to support hospital restructuring," Journal of Nursing Care Quality 13 (June 1999) 44-56.

(3.) E M Rogers, Diffusion of Innovations, fourth ed (New York: The Free Press, 1995).

(4.) S Grobe, "Nursing informatics competencies for nurse educators and researchers," in Preparing Nursing for Using Information Systems: Recommended Informatics Competencies, ed H E Peterson, U Gerdin-Jelger (New York: National League for Nursing, 1988) 25-40.

(5.) E P Geraci, "Computers in home care: Applications of change theory," Computers in Nursing 15 (July/August 1997) 199-203.

(6.) R Nahm, I Poston, "Measurement of the effects of an integrated, point-of-care computer system on quality of nursing documentation and patient satisfaction," Computers in Nursing 18 (September/October 2000) 220-229; B A Happ, "The effect of point of care technology on the quality of patient care," Proceedings--The Annual Symposium on Computer Applications in Medical Care (1993) 183-187.