Challenges of Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples

Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples

Using new technology in healthcare is always associated with improved services that patients receive and, consequently, healthcare outcomes. With the advantages of embracing new technology, challenges with this adoption are inevitable. For instance, using technology such as EMRS, EHRS, and PHRS is always associated with challenges that make it quite difficult for stakeholders to attain their objectives (Sittig, 2020). This essay will address the challenges associated with adopting new technology and the methods that can be used to manage changes in clinical settings (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

It is essential to understand the challenges a healthcare organization may encounter when adopting new technology in their day-to-day activities. These challenges include a lack of skills to use the new technology, the cost that is associated with the new technology, and the reluctance of staff members in an organization to adopt the new technology. For instance, inadequate skills in the new technology could create a barrier to the successful implementation of new technology. New technology requires that every staff member be updated with the skills they should employ in using such technology (Sittig, 2020) (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

However, most employees lack this skill which makes it challenging to adopt the new technology. Furthermore, cost exists as a significant hindrance factor. In this case, new technology attracts an initial cost, which may be high and most healthcare may find it challenging to employ it despite its many advantages. Lastly, most employees are always reluctant to adopt new technology because it requires acquiring a new set of skills, creating a challenge with its adoption (Sittig, 2020) (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

Methods for Managing Change in Clinical Settings when Adopting New Technology

Several methods exist to address the challenges encountered in new technology adoption. For instance, organizations can implement education and training in a bid to address the reluctance that employees have when it comes to adopting new technology (Harrison, 2021). When employees are trained on why they need to adopt new technology, they always develop a positive attitude that enables them to adopt it wholeheartedly (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

Moreover, when clinicians go through hands-on training, they also get convinced that the technology is suitable for the organization and that, in the end, their services will be improved (Harrison, 2021). Addressing the reluctance of employees to adopt new technology can also be done by having change champions who work with the clinical staff to inform them of the vision, benefits, and expectations they should have when adopting the new technology (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

Nonetheless, data-driven decision-making shows clinicians that the new technology they are about to adopt may not cost as much as they think. Staff must also be informed of the accurate picture in organizations that have adopted the new technology (Harrison, 2021). For example, before adopting EMRS, clinicians must access data on the areas where the technology is underused. In such a case, the clinicians will learn that such an area of practice is still posting low results due to the under-usage of the new technology (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

Quantitative data can also inform clinicians of the changes that have occurred in their respective organizations ever since adopting the new technology. In addition to decisions made after quantitative data analysis, it is also vital to consider qualitative analysis. Qualitative data provides information on how technology has changed the mood and emotions of clinicians toward their work (Harrison, 2021). For instance, an analysis of using EMRS would show how record keepers feel about the technology. Qualitative analysis may be carried out in the form of interviews so that the stakeholders provide information on areas of strength and those that need improvement when using the technology (Adopting New Technology-Nursing Paper Examples).

References

Harrison, R. (2021). Where Do Models for Change Management, Improvement and Implementation Meet? A Systematic Review of the Applications of Change Management Models in Healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 13, 85–108. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S289176

Sittig, D. (2020). Current challenges in health information technology–related patient safety. Health Informatics Journal, 26(1):181-189. doi:10.1177/1460458218814893