Understanding Workflow Design
Understanding Workflow Design
Concepts For Workflow Assessment
Workflow refers to the systematic patterns of duties and responsibilities for different individuals at the workplace. It is essential to note that workflow might take place at the same time or at different times. However, it encompasses an interconnection of different types of tasks. From the assessment toolkit, numerous concepts for workflow are evident. One of the most critical concepts of workflow assessment is benchmarking (DHHS, 2012).
This involves the evaluation of the implementation framework of new technologies or policies in other organizations. In workflow assessment, benchmarking can be done using similar or different organizations. In essence, benchmarking helps in the development or generation of different ideas. Secondly, benchmarking also helps in the evaluation of different alternatives relating to the workflow. Additionally, benchmarking helps in identifying potential areas of improvement. During the process of benchmarking, specificity is a critical aspect. This contributes towards accuracy. Through this concept, it becomes easier to develop goals that are attainable (Huser, 2011).
The checklist is another crucial aspect in the framework for workflow design. A checklist encompasses an outline of requirements and tasks. This helps in averting potential errors and omissions especially while gathering information (DHHS, 2012). Additionally, the checklist also helps in specifying the duration of each task. This tool has no complications both in terms of development and implementation. In order to implement this concept in the organization, it would be crucial to prioritize events and tasks. Upon completion of each task, it should be removed from the checklist (Glaser, 2011).
Risk assessment is also another crucial concept in workflow assessment. It encompasses the evaluation of potential implications of different tasks and actions. Without risk assessment, it would be difficult to enhance the efficiency of workflow within an organization (DHHS, 2012). In order to implement this concept in the organization, all factors influencing workflow must be known. The next step involves the identification of potential implications of individual factors (Glaser, 2011).
Article Summary
Electronic health records (EHR) are critical components of the modern health care systems. This article examines the implementation framework of HER in a small health care organization. It highlights the tasks and responsibilities of different nursing practitioners in such a health care setting during the implementation of EHR technological systems (Carayon, 2009). From the research, the authors highlight that some of the participants had concerns about more workload as a result of the implementation of the EHR system. However, this health care facility benefitted immensely from the new EHR system in terms of better accuracy and higher quality of health care services (Carayon, 2009).
Improving Workflow
The article’s findings would help in improving workflow design in my organization. This is because it identifies the main areas of concerns during the implementation of new technological systems (Carayon, 2009). The findings in the article would also help in developing a comprehensive checklist for the workflow. Through this checklist, it would be difficult to omit crucial tasks. Additionally, the article provides an excellent description of the best practices in sharing workflow tasks among health care practitioners (Carayon, 2009).
Importance of Monitoring the Effect of Technology on Workflow
Monitoring of technological implications serves as a crucial platform for enhancing the efficiency of workflow. Through the evaluation, it becomes easier to identify potential shortcomings and gains from different technological systems (Koppel, 2010). Monitoring also helps in avoiding unnecessary costs. Such costs can easily undermine the company’s overall performance. In addition, monitoring also plays the role of maintaining the right standards of health care to all patients (McGonigle, 2012).
References
Carayon, P. (2009). Implementing EHR in a small clinic, Behavior & Information Technology, 28(1): 5-20
DHHS (2012). Workflow assessment for health IT toolkit, Retrieved, October 17, 2012,fromhttp://healthit.ahrq.gov/
Glaser, J. P. & Salzberg, C. (2011). The strategic application of information technology in health care, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons
Huser, V., & Starren, J. B. (2011). Implementation of workflow engine technology, BMC Medical Research Methodology,11(1), 43–61.
Koppel, R., & Kreda, D. A. (2010). Healthcare IT usability and suitability for clinical needs, Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 157, 7–14.
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2012). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
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