The Inclusion of Nurses in the Systems Development Life Cycle
Information systems are essential to enhancing patient outcomes in healthcare. Since nurses use these technologies, they should have a leading role in their creation. Even though they may not be actual buyers or designers, nurses should be involved in designing and acquiring information systems to prevent opposition and ineffective use.
Including nurses in the SDLC process can cause a number of issues. Nurses should be consulted for information that would help create the requirements and strategy (Brennan & Bakken, 2015). Implementers need to gain knowledge to complete the analytical process. The project team’s creation of an inadequate system that does not meet the needs of the nurses will also contribute to the failure of design and execution (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Finally, they will implement a program that might run afoul of the primary users.
By including nurses, the project team will start with sufficient knowledge, which can tackle the problems. They will carry out the necessary research and create project specifications that are in line with the needs of the nurses and the actual users. Engaging them will guarantee their support for the change and remove potential resistance (Hollnagel & Braithwaite, 2019). Healthcare systems must succeed when the project team and nurses collaborate well.
I played a significant role in planning and selecting the new health information technology system in my nursing practice. Because it featured a patient electronic records system, my involvement in the process helped to ensure that a product was obtained that met the needs of a caregiver.
The development and purchase of information systems require the involvement of nurses. Nurses are the ones who use and apply the systems. Leaders should collaborate with them to prevent opposition or communication issues throughout the implementation phase.