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.
What structural change is indicated at Integrated Health?
What caused MAR to fail?
Why are the nurses resisting the MAR project?
What techniques should be used to overcome the barriers to change?
Prepare your responses in a Word document 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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Structural Change at Integrated Health:
- Integrated Health needs to review and revise their project management and communication processes. There should be better coordination and collaboration between different departments and stakeholders involved in the MAR project. This can include creating a cross-functional team with representatives from nursing, pharmacy, and information technology departments to ensure better understanding and involvement in the project.
Causes of MAR Failure:
- Lack of proper planning and project management: The pilot project might not have been properly planned and executed, leading to the failure of the computerized MAR system.
- Insufficient user involvement and input: The nursing and pharmacy staff might not have been adequately included in the project from the beginning, resulting in a system that did not meet their needs and was too complex for them to use.
- Lack of training and education: If the nurses and staff pharmacists were not adequately trained on how to use the computerized MAR system, it could have contributed to their complaints and resistance towards the project.
Reasons for Nurse Resistance:
- Complexity and usability issues: The nurses may have found the computerized MAR system too complicated and difficult to use. It might have required additional steps or had a complex user interface, causing frustration and resistance.
- Lack of involvement and input: If the nurses were not involved in the planning and design of the system, they might perceive it as being forced upon them, leading to resistance.
- Concerns about patient safety: If the nurses believed that the computerized MAR system had potential errors or could compromise patient safety due to its failure, they would resist using it.
Techniques to Overcome Barriers to Change:
- Involve end-users from the beginning: Include nurses, staff pharmacists, and physicians in the planning and design phases of the computerized MAR system. Obtain their feedback and address their concerns to ensure the system meets their needs.
- Effective communication and training: Clearly communicate the benefits of the computerized MAR system to the end-users. Provide comprehensive training on how to use the system effectively and address any questions or concerns they may have.
- Address usability issues: Consult with end-users to identify any usability issues or design flaws in the system. Address these issues and make the necessary improvements to ensure a user-friendly and efficient system.
- Continuous support and feedback: Provide ongoing support and assistance to the end-users after the implementation of the computerized MAR system. Encourage them to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement, and address any issues promptly.
References:
1. Anonymous. (2016). Best Practices for Overcoming Change Resistance. Prosci. Retrieved from https://www.prosci.com/resources/articles/best-practices-for-overcoming-change-resistance
2. Heponiemi, T., Kouvonen, A., Vänskä, J., Halila, H., Sinervo, T., & Elovainio, M. (2007). Effects of active on-ward participation of nurses on quality and outcomes of care for patients after hip replacement: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 57(6), 595-602.