Current-state workflow models and gap analyses often reveal workflow issues and inefficiencies. These issues and inefficiencies (gaps) help nurse informaticists determine possible directions for improvements and revisions. These possibilities help inform the creation of a future-state workflow, in which the gaps in the current-state workflow are addressed.

In Part 3 of the Course Project, you will apply what you have learned about workflow throughout this course by redesigning the current-state workflow. Using the information obtained from your gap analysis and current-state workflow model, you will create a future-state workflow model that provides a solution to the workflow issues you have identified. Your future-state workflow model MUST be tied to meaningful use and, therefore, MUST involve either implementing a new electronic health record (EHR) or revising an existing EHR.

To prepare for Part 3 of the Course Project:

Review the results of your gap analysis and your Visio model of the current-state workflow (Part 2 of the Course Project).

Reflect on the most significant issue revealed by your gap analysis and Visio workflow model. Identify possible EHR-related solutions to this workflow issue.

Select one solution that relates to EHRs and meaningful use.

Begin developing a new Visio workflow model that incorporates the solution you selected. This model does not need to be extremely complicated, but it must clearly show how your EHR solution fits into the workflow.

Outline a use case that illustrates the details of each step in your future-state workflow in a real-world scenario.

Consider the organizational changes that would be necessary to make the transition from the current-state to the future-state workflow. For example, how would organizational and departmental buy-in be obtained, and how would training and support for staff be provided?

Examine possible implementation strategies for integrating your redesigned workflow into the current workflow.

To complete Part 3 of the Course Project:

Create a Visio model of the future-state workflow, clearly illustrating the solution you would implement to address the gaps in the current-state workflow (See attached previous papers).

Then, in a 3- to 4-page paper, respond to the following:

Explain the proposed solution you selected, how it addresses the major gap you identified in the current-state workflow, and how it is related to meaningful use.

Create a detailed use case of a real-world scenario that shows the steps of the future-state workflow you developed.

Outline the major steps and organizational changes that would be necessary to transition from the current-state to the future-state workflow.

Explain one potential implementation strategy that would be useful for this project. Justify the strategy's appropriateness for your workflow and practice setting.

In a reference list, cite a minimum of four scholarly references (with APA citations) that you used to identify your solution, write your use case, and outline the organizational process for transitioning from the current to the future state.

Required Readings

Dennis, A., Wixom, B. H., & Roth, R. M. (2015). Systems analysis and design (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Review Chapter 3, "Requirements Determination" (pp. 81-116)

Chapter 4, "Use Case Analysis" (pp. 120-149)
This chapter explains the purpose of a use case and describes its various parts. The chapter also reviews the process used to create a use case.

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2015). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.


Chapter 14, "Nursing Informatics: Improving Workflow and Meaningful Use"
Review this chapter.

Choi, J., & Kim, H. (2012). A workflow-oriented framework-driven implementation and local adaptation of clinical information systems: A case study of nursing documentation system implementation at a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 30(8), 409-414.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article focuses on designing nursing documentation systems that provide the optimal amount of information to nurses as they work with patients. Workflow optimization involves tailoring the system to meet the unique needs of each user and organization.

Unertl, K. M., Johnson, K. B., & Lorenzi, N. M. (2012). Health information exchange technology on the front lines of healthcare: Workflow factors and patterns of use. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 19(3), 392-400.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

In this article, the authors identified the most common reasons cited by medical care personal for utilizing a health information exchange (HIE) system. Reasons included gathering information on recent hospital visits, verifying patient's description of health concerns, and seeking online referrals and consultations from other professionals.

California HealthCare Foundation. (2010). Workflow redesign: A model for California clinics. Retrieved from http://www.chcf.org/~/media/MEDIA LIBRARY Files/PDF/PDF W/PDF WorkflowRedesignOPCCModelCalifClinics.pdf

This report provides an example of how to approach the process of redesigning workflow within a health care organization to maximize efficiency in patient care. Working with a number of clinics, the researchers gathered data on office efficiency and access to care.

Required Media

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012c). A redesigned workflow diagram. Baltimore, MD: Author.

This multimedia piece continues to build on the scenario introduced in Week 1. In this segment, the health care facility creates a workflow diagram with assessment that maps the current workflow.