Implementation pilot of a novel electronic bedside nursing chart: a mixed-methods case study.

This study highlights the complex challenges of implementing and examining the effects of technology to support nursing care. Shared understanding of the technology goals and project scope in relation to nursing care and flexible and adaptive project and contingency planning are fundamental considerations. Complexity, unpredictability and uncertainty of 'usual business' are common confounders in acute hospital settings.What is known about the topic?Although much has been written about the implementation of electronic records into hospital systems, there is little research evaluating the effect of information technology systems that support the complex clinical decision making and documentation required to meet nurse and patient needs at the point of care.What does this paper add?This study highlights the potential to reduce missed care through better nursing workflow. Contributing factors to low nurse adoption of new technology have been identified, including inconsistent expectations and goals for the design of systems to support quality nursing care, incongruous decision making in design, adaptation and implementation processes and constrained physical workability in relation to nursing workflow.What are the implications for practitioners?The design of information systems to support nursing work requires a shared understanding of 'good practice' for high-quality nursing care that is consistent with theories of nursing practice, best evidence and professional practice standa...

Source: Australian Health Review - September 15, 2020 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Bail K, Davey R, Currie M, Gibson J, Merrick E, Redley B Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research