NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 2 Proposal for a Change

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems

Prof. Name

Date

Enhancing Patient Services through the Implementation of a Clinical Decision Support System at Villa Health

Abstract

 This paper addresses the identified issue at Villa Health, where nurses face challenges in delivering efficient and high-quality health services due to understaffing and limited support from the Information Technology and Data Services (ITDS) division. The proposed solution involves implementing a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system to improve response times and overall service delivery. The paper discusses the technology change, standards and specifications criteria, comparison of technologies, legal and ethical considerations, technology impact, future relevance, and stakeholder influence.

Introduction 

Villa Health aims to address the inefficiencies in patient services by implementing a CDS system. This proposed change aligns with the standards set by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) through the National Quality Strategy (NQS), emphasizing the importance of effective CDS systems. This paper explores the criteria outlined by the AHRQ, including the three aims and six priority areas, and the four levels of CDS system implementation.

Standards and Specifications Criteria 

The AHRQ’s NQS framework provides a comprehensive set of criteria for evaluating CDS systems. This includes the initiation of problem identification, development of guidelines, creation of a legally valid implementation plan, utilization of HL7 Arden Syntax or equivalent systems for formal schema preparation, and the establishment of an IT health architecture. Examples of architectures include the Shareable Active Guideline Environment (SAGE) and the System for Evidence-Based Advice through Simultaneous Transaction with an Intelligent Agent across a Network (SEBASTIAN).

Comparison of Technologies 

Health IT systems, including CDS systems, are often compared based on features, support capabilities, real-time data analysis, scalability, and utility to different stakeholders. This paper examines the factors influencing the choice of a CDS system, considering the needs of nurses, physicians, and staff in decision support.

Legal and Ethical Issues 

The implementation of a CDS system must comply with government regulations and mandates related to patient data confidentiality. Access control policies, storage, and transmission policies should align with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other relevant laws. Ethical considerations, such as recognizing patient vulnerabilities and facilitating access and service delivery, must be prioritized in the system’s design.

Technology Impact 

The positive impact of the proposed CDS system includes an improved workflow centered around patient welfare. Real-time access to diagnostic data empowers healthcare professionals to make quicker and more effective decisions. However, the potential risk of over-reliance on the system and reduced communication efficiency needs to be addressed through proper design and implementation.

Future Relevance 

The proposed CDS system is expected to remain relevant for five to ten years with regular maintenance and upgrades. As healthcare continues to digitize for efficiency and productivity, decision support systems play a crucial role in assisting healthcare professionals and enhancing the quality of care.

Stakeholder Influence 

Engagement of both internal and external stakeholders is crucial for the successful implementation of the CDS system. Regular meetings with internal stakeholders, including patients, nurses, physicians, and hospital staff, will provide insights and feedback. External stakeholders, such as government regulators, ethics boards, and investors, should be engaged through written communication and meetings to analyze the system’s need, explain costs, and discuss returns on investment.

Conclusion 

This paper discusses the proposed technology change at Villa Health, focusing on the implementation of a CDS system to address inefficiencies in patient services. By adhering to established standards, considering legal and ethical aspects, and involving stakeholders, Villa Health aims to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to elevated community health standards.

References 

Berner, E. S. (2016). Clinical Decision Support Systems: Theory and Practice. Springer.

Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2019). Nursing Ethics Across the Curriculum and into Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Cerrato, P., & Halamka, J. (2020). Reinventing Clinical Decision Support-Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Diagnostic Reasoning. Taylor & Francis.

Harman, F., & Cornelius, L. B. (2017). Ethical Health Informatics Challenges and Opportunities. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Muhiyaddin, R., Abd-Alrazaq, A. A., Househ, M., Alam, T., & Shah, Z. (2020). The Impact of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) on Physicians: A Scoping Review. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 272, 470-473.

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 2 Proposal for a Change