NURS FPX 6416 Assessment 2 Technology Needs Assessment Summary and Implementation Plan

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 6416 Managing the Nursing Informatics Life Cycle

Prof. Name

Date

Executive Summary

The current informatics framework within our healthcare organization heavily relies on paper-based record-keeping, leading to notable delays and security vulnerabilities. On average, retrieving patient information takes approximately 20 minutes, significantly delaying treatment and increasing frustration for both staff and patients (Antwi, 2023). Furthermore, manual data entry and physical documentation introduce a 5% error rate, risking clinical decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information. Paper records are also prone to physical damage, unauthorized access, and breaches in confidentiality (Senne, 2021). These shortcomings highlight the pressing need to transition to an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system that can support better data handling, reduce errors, and enhance patient safety and service efficiency.

To combat these challenges, a phased implementation of a robust EHR system is proposed. A dedicated Project Manager will lead the process, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget constraints. The IT team will assess organizational needs, select an EHR vendor, and configure the system to fit existing workflows (Nolla et al., 2023). Training Coordinators will tailor educational programs to staff roles to build proficiency, while executive leadership will provide strategic oversight and secure necessary resources. The implementation will be executed in three phases: preparation and training, deployment, and evaluation. Though initial costs are considerable, the long-term gains—improved accuracy, better care coordination, and enhanced operational efficiency—justify the investment (Adeniyi et al., 2024).

Current Clinical Information System and Recommended Change

Our current paper-based clinical information system struggles to meet the speed and accuracy requirements of contemporary healthcare environments. Data retrieval is slow and error-prone, which hampers clinical efficiency. The adoption of an EHR system will resolve many of these limitations by significantly reducing retrieval time and facilitating real-time access to patient information (Adeniyi et al., 2024). Through automated data validation, the EHR will enhance data accuracy and reduce the existing error rate. Additionally, integrated clinical decision-support tools will streamline communication across departments, enabling prompt and coordinated responses to patient needs (Hernandez & Gonzales, 2021).

The transition plan is structured into three distinct phases to ensure a smooth implementation. Each phase includes targeted activities and a clear timeline for execution:

Phase	Timeline	Key Activities
Phase 1	Months 1–2	Needs assessment, vendor selection, and role-specific training for staff.
Phase 2	Months 3–4	System deployment, workflow integration, and live testing across departments.
Phase 3	Months 5–6	Performance evaluation, user feedback collection, and system refinements.

These phases will ensure a systematic roll-out while minimizing disruption to patient care and staff workflow. Each stage will be closely monitored to make timely adjustments as needed to optimize the system’s effectiveness.

Anticipated Improvements

The proposed EHR implementation is expected to lead to several key improvements in healthcare delivery. First, the drastic reduction in information retrieval time will accelerate clinical workflows and minimize patient wait times. Second, automated validation tools will improve documentation accuracy, decreasing clinical errors caused by misinformation or data entry mistakes. Third, the enhanced interoperability and decision-support features embedded within the EHR will improve coordination among care teams, leading to more responsive and informed patient interventions (Fennelly et al., 2020). These improvements are projected to raise the overall quality of care, reinforce patient safety, and optimize operational efficiency.

By modernizing data infrastructure, we will not only comply with current health IT standards but also pave the way for more advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. These tools will support ongoing quality improvement initiatives and make the organization more agile in responding to future healthcare challenges. Ultimately, the EHR system will serve as a foundational platform for innovation and sustained excellence in patient-centered care.

Conclusion

Adopting an EHR system is essential for overcoming the inefficiencies and risks of our outdated paper-based documentation process. With dedicated leadership, comprehensive training, and robust technical infrastructure, our organization is positioned to modernize healthcare delivery and elevate care standards. This transition will resolve long-standing operational challenges and enhance our ability to provide high-quality, coordinated care. By embracing digital transformation, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence in patient outcomes, data integrity, and organizational efficiency.

References

Adeniyi, A. O., Arowoogun, J. O., Chidi, R., Okolo, C. A., Babawarun, O., Adeniyi, A. O., Arowoogun, J. O., Chidi, R., Okolo, C. A., & Babawarun, O. (2024). The impact of electronic health records on patient care and outcomes: A comprehensive review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(2), 1446–1455. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.2.0592

NURS FPX 6416 Assessment 2 Technology Needs Assessment Summary and Implementation Plan

Antwi, F. (2023). Impact of electronic health record system (EHRS) on healthcare quality at Asamankese Government Hospital. Gen Surgery Clin Med, 1(1), 1–21. https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/impact-of-electronic-health-record-system-ehrs-on-healthcare-quality-at-asamankese-government-hospital-ghana.pdf

Fennelly, O., Cunningham, C., Grogan, L., Cronin, H., O’Shea, C., Roche, M., Lawlor, F., & O’Hare, N. (2020). Successfully implementing a national electronic health record: A rapid umbrella review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 144, 104281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104281

Hernandez, M., & Gonzales, I. (2021). Enhancing patient care through electronic health records (EHR) systems. Academic Journal of Science and Technology, 4(1), 1–9. https://academicpinnacle.com/index.php/ajst/article/view/86

Nolla, K., Rasmussen, L. V., Rothrock, N., Butt, Z., Bass, M., Davis, K., Cella, D., Gershon, R., Barnard, C., Chmiel, R., Almaraz, F., Schachter, M., Nelson, T., Langer, M., & Starren, J. B. (2023). Seamless integration of computer-adaptive patient reported outcomes into an electronic health record. Applied Clinical Informatics. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2235-9557

NURS FPX 6416 Assessment 2 Technology Needs Assessment Summary and Implementation Plan

Senne, G. L. (2021). Exploring challenges in records management in a public hospital setting. Repository.nwu.ac.za. https://repository.nwu.ac.za/handle/10394/38826