The use of Electronic Health Records is one of the most common characteristics of the strategic evolution of the Health care system. The transformations that have been experienced over the years have been motivated by the changing needs of the health care consumers. The acquisition and implementation of the Electronic health records is a practical approach that assists the health care experts to keep pace with the transformations and advancements brought about by the information systems (Fenton, Giannangelo & Stanfill, 2006). Nursing facilitators have a big role to play in ensuring that there is a successful transition from the traditional manual systems to the use of the electronic records. Everett Rodgers’ theory is on very essential towards providing a theoretical framework that can be used to ensure there is a successful implementation of the EHRs.
Consequently, as a nurse facilitator, the five qualities outlined by Rodgers will be very essential towards ensuring that there is success in the implementation of the EHRs (Rogers, 2003). Relative advantage is one of the aspects of the qualities that needs to be taken into consideration. In order to engage the attitudes of all health care experts, they have to understand what the advantages of the EHRs as compared to the traditional record keeping systems. They should understand how the EHRs will enhance both patient and expert safety and improve the accuracy of the operations.
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The nurses must see how the EHRs are compatible with the existing practices and values. The understanding is very essential as it will make them realize that the new systems will enhance continuity and consistency with the normal operations (Rogers, 2003). In ensuring that the nurses realize the compatibility between the systems, the structural and cultural orientation within the organizations must portray readiness for the new systems. This can assist in reducing the level of resistance through increasing the level of acceptance for the new systems among the experts (Fenton, Giannangelo & Stanfill, 2006).
The perceptions and attitudes of the nurses should be prepared to embrace the use of the new systems (Rogers, 2003). The nurses should be made to believe that the EHRs are very simple to implement and use. If the nurses have a positive attitude towards the HER systems, they will be very enthusiastic and eager about using them. Increasing the level of anxiety through engaging their attitudes and perceptions will enhance their readiness to use the systems thus promoting the implementation process of the systems.
The nurses and other health care experts should be given the opportunity to play around with the new systems in order to realize the simplicity of their use (Rogers, 2003). This should be part of the strategic professional development session that can include training of the staff members on the use of these systems and their application in the operations of the organization. Giving them the opportunity to interact with the systems will increase their familiarity with the information systems. Playing around with the system will give the experts the opportunity to realize the potential and capabilities of the information systems.
In order to impact sufficient influence on the health care experts to adopt the EHRs, it is crucial to prove on the capability of the systems by the use of evidence. The most realistic way is by showing observable results from the work of the systems (Rogers, 2003). Successful instances of the operation of the EHRs are likely to motivate the health care experts to welcome the use of the Electronic Health Records thus reducing any resistance to the new systems. The nurses should see the ability of innovations to solve existing problems within the health care industry.
In conclusion, nurses are very crucial members of the health care community. They are actively involved in various clinical and administrative practices within the health care organizations. Therefore, nurses are very instrumental towards reducing resistance to changes within the health care organizations. Nurses should apply their professional and ethical principles to ensure that any imitative that is likely to promote positive change in the healthcare industry is promoted (Anna & Christian, 2004). The nurses should embrace professional and educational development in order to provide a propagative environment through which quality improvement can be enhanced in the health care industry.
