System Implementation and Management - Essay Example

"System Implementation and Management" is a perfect example of a paper on the health system. The main critical success factors in the implementation of HMIS (health management information systems) fall into one of the following three categories: organizational characteristics, user characteristics, and systems design characteristics. In user characteristics, factors such as user attitudes, cognitive behavior, user expectations of what HMIS can do, and individual differences (such as learning styles) are thought to affect the success of HMIS. It is worth noting that the first step towards a successful implementation of HMIS lies within the identification of potential dysfunctional user behavior. Systems design characteristics or features are also important in the determination of the final HMIS acceptability. These system design characteristics include the features of the systems interface (such as the inclusion of easy-to-learn and easy-to-use characteristics into the HMIS), decision-making support offered to the user, information characteristics, and hardware-software performance. Software, middleware, firmware, and hardware are important features of any HMIS that is computer-based. Other than the user and systems characteristics, the success of HMIS implementation is also influenced by organizational characteristics. Variables such as organizational culture, managerial factors, organizational power, and structure influence the success of HMIS implementation. Top management influence (such as practicing sound project control) is one of the major areas that affect the implementation success (Payton and Tan, 2010).  

Question 11-2. Why Is Careful Planning So Important To HMIS Implementation?

The analysis of critical success factors in the implementation of HMIS indicates that there are several important considerations involved in the planning and management of HMIS. Careful consideration of these details in the initial stages of planning is crucial in facilitating the development of strategies that will improve the success of HMIS. In other words, strategies that improve HMIS success result from the careful consideration of the initial stages of planning. The following are various forms of planning and management that influence the strategy and the process selected for the optimization of HMIS implementation for the healthcare organizations and they include; organizational project management, end-user involvement, vendor involvement, reengineering considerations, and staffing issues (Payton and Tan, 2010). These forms of planning and management indicate the importance of careful planning in HMIS implementation.    

Question 11-4. Describe Some Useful Tools In HMIS Implementation To Project Management.

Project management styles are entirely dependent on the level of experience of personnel managing the process and the organizational culture. It is difficult to get experienced project managers possessing both application and technical knowledge. There are particular techniques that are crucial in project management and they include Gantt charts and critical path methods. These tools are used for program coding and project schedule. The techniques ensure that system implementation is finished at a specific date. It is important to note that a comprehensive timetable is crucial in inspiring management confidence during the installation process. In program coding, there are two crucial tools and they are walkthroughs and data dictionaries (Payton and Tan, 2010).   

Question 11-5. Why Is End-User Involvement Important In HMIS Implementation? How Can End-Users Be More Involved In The Process?

The success of HMIS implementation requires active end-user participation in the entire process. It has been shown that the success of HMIS is short-lived when there is less involvement of the nurses, physicians, and HMIS staff in the systems planning and evaluation. The healthcare services system is composed of a broader group of people representing professional and technical groups and it is important to extend these users to the different areas of HMIS. Through this method (incorporating all the end-users), the end-users get more involved in the process. However, for it to happen, sufficient time and resources have to be allotted, “and critical committees and internal and external liaisons have to be established such that all aspects of HMIS can be optimized while generating organization-wide user acceptance” (Payton and Tan, 2010, p.243). Acceptance of the HMIS by the end-users is dependent on the leadership style adopted by the people managing the change, positions affected by the implementation, and the impact of the change on the fulfillment of needs of the affected personnel (Payton and Tan, 2010).     

 

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