DNP 805 Topic 1 DQ 2 Select one informatics theory from the areas of Communication Theories, Change Theories, or Human Factors
DNP 805 Topic 1 DQ 2 Select one informatics theory from the areas of Communication Theories, Change Theories, or Human Factors
DNP 805 Topic 1 DQ 2 Select one informatics theory from the areas of Communication Theories, Change Theories, or Human Factors
Topic 1 DQ 2
Select one informatics theory from the areas of Communication Theories, Change Theories, or Human Factors. Discuss how the application of the theory you select can guide the use of technology in advanced practice. What strengths does the theory possess that would make it useful to the DNP-prepared nurse? What weaknesses does the theory present that might prevent its use? Keep in mind the Christian worldview when preparing your submission.
REPLY TO DISCUSSION
The study of human factor theory focuses on human interaction with equipment within an organization with the goal of increasing safety and satisfaction. Example: Theories on accident causation demonstrate that accidents can be caused by chains of human errors. Factors that can lead to human errors include lack of experience on how to do the job (Chung & Williamson, 2018).
Reference
Chung, A. Z. Q., Williamson, A. (2018). Theory versus practice in the human factors and ergonomics discipline: Trends in journal publications from 1960 to 2010 Academic Journal In Applied Ergonomics. 66:41-51. DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2017.07.003,
REPLY
Unfreezing, moving or transitioning, and refreezing are the three processes in Kurt Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change. The first stage, unfreezing, involves acknowledging that change is required and that the equilibrium will be disrupted (Chen, 2021). The initial stage is the most difficult and time-consuming because restraining factors might prevent the change from progressing (Chen, 2021).
A great example would be introducing the electronic health record. During the first stage, the old ways such as paper charge would be let go. Unfreezing the necessity for the change to be discussed in dialogues and through educational sessions.
The second phase is moving or transitioning. This phase necessitates a clear action plan and may create anxiety and worry (Chen, 2021). During this phase, it would be critical to work with the stakeholders (Daly, 2017). For instance, if a facility were to transition to electronic health records versus paper charting, this step is crucial as it enables the analysis of the present situation, new structures, and other processes that are put into place to attain the desired outcome (Daly, 2017).
The last stage is refreezing, during which it is critical to reinforce and incorporate the change while also conducting an efficacy audit (Daly, 2017). The change is stabilized at this point, and a new equilibrium is established (Chen, 2021). In other words, the changes made are frozen in place and become part of the normal workflow. One of the strengths of Lewin’s change model is that it is simple for others to understand. Unfreezing, transition and refreezing are easy steps to follow when implementing a change within an organization (Daly, 2017). Although its simplicity is its strength, it can also be a downfall.
Some changes need a more detailed process other than just unfreezing, transitioning, and refreezing (Chen, 2021).
References:
Chen, P. (2021). A new horizon: Transitioning from an experienced to novice nurse. Journal of Radiology Nursing, 40(4), 368–369. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jradnu.2021.08.007
Daly, S. (2017). Development and implementation of person-centered nursing documentation. International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC), 17, 1–3.
REPLY
Thank you for your interesting post. Healthcare system is constantly changing and evolving. Changes can be challenging because they
DNP 805 Topic 1 DQ 2 Select one informatics theory from the areas of Communication Theories, Change Theories, or Human Factors
contradict humans’ basic need for a stable environment and sometimes when you’re used to it already you don’t want to start a new one. The advent of New Public Management (NPM) has challenged the traditional professional dominance, introducing a logic of managerialism into health care, i.e. work should be organized and controlled by managers to achieve organizational goals of a cost-effective and efficient health care. Clinicians are expected to document their work accurately and participate in any advancement given by the management team.
Reference:
Rafferty AE, Jimmieson NL. Subjective perceptions of organizational change and employee resistance to change: direct and mediated relationships with employee well-being. Br J Manage. 2017;28:248–264. doi: 10.1111/1467-8551.12200. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
REPLY
Very well done. I like the way you break down and apply Lewin’s Theory. Acknowledgment that changes need to happen, transitioning to the new technology, and stabilization of new technology. This theory is good and works to explain the change.
In comparison to the Human Factor theory, the main thing to consider when implementing healthcare technology is to remember the people who actually use the programs/system. (Matthews & Proctor, 2021). In my experience as a nurse clinical and nonclinical, programs that have stakeholder support at the onset of change are most successful. Another factor when in the various stages is to ensure that staff that will be working with the change are instrumental from the beginning.
Matthews, S. D., & Proctor, M. D. (2021). Public Health Informatics, Human Factors and the End-Users. Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology. https://doi.org/10.1177/23333928211012226
REPLY
Hello,
I completely agree with you that the first step is unfreezing is the most difficult stage, but I would also add that it is arguably the most important step. This step is vital in setting the foundation for a successful change. This step is really about breaking the status quo (el-shafy et al., 2020). This starts the momentum for the change. While it is challenging as you mentioned, it is worth the effort that it takes.
Reference
el-shafy, I. A., Zapke, J., Sargeant, D., Prince, J. M., & Christopherson, N. A. M. (2019). Decreased Pediatric Trauma Length of Stay and Improved Disposition With Implementation of Lewin’s Change Model. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 26(2), 84–88. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1097/JTN.0000000000000426
REPLY
Kotter’s change theory goes thru a series of eight steps on how to effectively prepare the team for change and to be adaptable to the change (Carpenter et al., 2021). This theory can be instrumental in the success of using technology in advanced practice. Without setting the environment for change.
One example is how the change theory was used to in a healthcare system wide practice of primary care to reduce the overall amount of opioid prescriptions among patients with chronic pain. It was vital in starting and sustaining a change long term (Carpenter et al., 2021).
This theory really provide a solid framework with eight steps to follow for a sustainable change. It guides step by step how to prepare for the change, get buy in, and the solidify the change. This is easily used an any change planning. It is apparent that this would be successful in change implementation.
This theory is so important because without the foundation work then it will not likely result in a lasting transformational change. The step that I find the most important to not miss is the development of short term wins. It is sometimes overlooked and can lead to discouragement resulting in and reverting to old practices. There are not any identified weaknesses to this theory. It is an excellent foundation to be used when planning an implementation of change.
The human factor theory is the belief that the environment, organizational system and the individual human characteristics all influence work which may affect the health and safety of all involved especially patients in health care (Eastern Kentucky University [EKU], 2020).
Ergonomics also referred to as human factor, is a dynamic science discipline attempting to understand human interactions among different elements in a system where when theories are applied helps to improve the overall performance of the system. Human factor is centered on safety especially in the field of health care because information imputed into technology is as good as the person(s) imputing it into the system (Alexander, Hoy, & Frith, 2019).
This theory has three principles of workload/overload-when the workload exceeds the ability of the staff to manage it; inappropriate responses- the way staff responds to a situation could lead to or prevent an accident, ignoring the safety rules in place and inappropriate activity- are activities that may cause an accident such as work distractions, stress or personal problems or inappropriate instructions or not being adequately trained for the job or very high risk situations (Alexander, Hoy, & Frith, 2019).
The theory states that humans are at the center of the work force therefore, as we gain new knowledge, the work should be modified or humanized to suit humans. The work should be adapted to the needs of humans not humans adapting to work as it appears to be presently. This theory can guide the use of technology in advanced practice by making the technology user friendly, easy to understand, navigate and safe for the patients and staff to enable reduced cost and increased productivity.
Other factors that affect the human factor apart from safety is the economic factors such as the quality and productivity of work when improved will decrease some of the work-related absence and illness (Alexander, Hoy, & Frith, 2019).
Some authors are predicting that in five from when they wrote the article (2020) that the digital industry would have expanded so much that humans will become obsolete in so many fields. However, despite the automation of businesses, the human factor will still be needed to create value to business for clients. So, humans need to keep up with the demands by developing with the advancing technologies (Kruskopf, Lobbas, Meinander, Söderling, Martikainen, & Lehner, 2020).
What strengths does the theory possess that would make it useful to the DNP-prepared nurse?
The strengths of the theory that will make it useful for the DNP nurse would be that the technology has been humanized. Adapted to suit the human factor and made easy enough to assess while still keeping the electronic medical records safe from criminality. The strengths would be that systems are in place to check mate and safe guard for patient safety and can help to increase productivity of labor.
What weaknesses does the theory present that might prevent its use? Keep in mind the
Christian worldview when preparing your submission.
The weakness also lies in its principles. The overloading of the technology will result in system failure that will cause a relapse back to the old ways of writing on paper and it will cause some delays with retrieval of pertinent information.
With advancing technology also goes increasing costs and the costs of safeguarding the system from criminal minds. Also, keeping I mind the Christian world view, not everyone is technologically advanced and it may cause some to fall back or be lost. Also, if there is a mechanical failure that is not caught by the human factor, it may cause harm to the patient. Hence a need still exists for the human factor to double check all information imputed into technology
References:
Alexander, Hoy, H., & Frith, K. (2019). Applied clinical informatics for nurses (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Eastern Kentucky University [EKU]. (2020, July 21). Understanding human factors in occupational safety. EKU Online. https://safetymanagement.eku.edu/blog/understanding-human-factors-in-occupational-safety/
Kruskopf, S., Lobbas, C., Meinander, H., Söderling, K., Martikainen, M., & Lehner, O. (2020). Digital accounting and the human factor: Theory and practice. ACRN Journal of Finance and Risk Perspectives, 9(1), 78-89. https://doi.org/10.35944/jofrp.2020.9.1.006