The computerized medication administration record (MAR) was a chart of all of the medications administered to a patient by a hospital. Kate, a programmer/analyst in the Management Information Systems department, led a team to computerize the MAR. The team had been working on the pilot project for a year and hoped for a smooth execution. The computerized MAR was launched and immediately failed. By 10:00 a.m., floor nurses and staff pharmacists complained that the system did not work and was too complicated. After hearing nurses’ complaints, physicians expressed concern about patient safety. At 1:30 p.m., the computer system crashed, and the MAR project was suspended. Kate assembled the project team to study the project failure. Kate will make a presentation to Central Hospital’s management group on the MAR project failure.
1. What structural change is indicated at Integrated Health?
2. What caused MAR to fail?
3. Why are the nurses resisting the MAR project?
4. What techniques should be used to overcome the barriers to change?
Prepare your responses in a Word document in essay format that is a minimum of 2 pages in length. At least two references are required. Please be sure to cite and reference in APA.
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1. The structural change indicated at Integrated Health is the need for a more efficient and effective medication administration system. The failure of the computerized MAR project highlights the shortcomings of the current system and the need for improvement in order to enhance patient safety and workflow efficiency.
2. There could be several reasons why the MAR project failed. Firstly, the system may not have been properly tested and validated before its launch, leading to technical issues and malfunctions. Secondly, there may have been inadequate training and support for the healthcare staff who were supposed to use the system, resulting in confusion and frustration. Lastly, the system design and user interface may have been too complicated and not user-friendly, making it difficult for the nurses and pharmacists to navigate and utilize effectively.
3. The resistance from the nurses towards the MAR project could stem from several reasons. Firstly, the nurses may have been accustomed to the old paper-based system and were resistant to change. They may have felt that the computerized system disrupted their workflow and made their job more difficult. Additionally, they may have perceived the system as unnecessary or ineffective, leading to resistance and reluctance to adapt to it. Lastly, the nurses may have felt overwhelmed and stressed due to the technical issues and malfunctions experienced with the system, leading to frustration and resistance.
4. To overcome the barriers to change and ensure successful implementation of the MAR project, several techniques can be employed. Firstly, adequate and comprehensive training should be provided to all healthcare staff involved in using the system. This includes not only initial training but also ongoing support and reinforcement to address any concerns and promote familiarity and proficiency with the system. Secondly, involving the end-users, such as the nurses and pharmacists, in the project from the beginning can help garner their support and engagement. Their input and feedback should be sought in terms of system design, functionality, and user interface to ensure that the system meets their needs and expectations. Additionally, clear and open communication about the benefits and goals of the MAR project should be conveyed to the healthcare staff, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on patient safety and workflow efficiency. Lastly, addressing and resolving the technical issues and malfunctions of the system is crucial to regain confidence and trust from the users. This may involve working closely with the IT department to address and rectify any system deficiencies or seeking external expertise if needed.
References:
1. Eichner, J., & Staggers, N. (2010). Computerized Medication Administration Record (MAR): Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 160(Pt 2), 1275-1279.
2. Polubinski, J., Tantoco, I., Albright, E., & Rhodes, A. (2017). The Electronic MAR: A Review. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 31(3), 3-12.
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