Black et al. Publication, Essay Example

Introduction

This article is unique because it supports a comprehensive evaluation of studies that have already been written. Black et.al (2011) considered the significance of prior studies associated with eHealth in order to identify the quality of research that was conducted. The authors sought to conduct a review of this nature because it would provide additional insight regarding quality of care as related to eHealth (Black et.al, 2011). The authors also sought to understand how other reviews in the past were conducted and whether or not they were effective in getting their points across regarding the efficacy of prior research (Black et.al, 2011). Their ability to conduct a systematic review of prior systematic reviews was a unique strategy that appeared to be successful in determining that there are many challenges that remain with respect to eHealth technologies (Black et.al, 2011).

Analysis

Perhaps most important to the discussion is the role of the subject matter in conducting a systematic review of this nature. The evidence that is presented in prior systematic reviews is significant because it opens the door to the weaknesses that prevail throughout research circles regarding eHealth initiatives (Black et.al, 2011). To some degree, eHealth remains largely misunderstood and difficult to sustain in environments where there are obvious preferences for proven and traditional strategies that do not involve this level of technology. Furthermore, this reflects an important misconception regarding technology for said traditionalists that must be directly addressed. In adopting the chosen approach to this article, the authors exposed some of the most glaring weaknesses that prevail in eHealth to date, thereby creating an environment that is difficult to sustain and to adapt to in many organizations.

A number of critical issues were addressed using the chosen research method and provided additional insight into the issues that remain in the transition to eHealth for many organizations (Black et.al, 2011). For example, a number of vulnerable areas exist, including clinical decision support and data management, thereby creating a difficult transition for organizations who do not understand these areas and how technology might improve their productivity and quality of care (Black et.al, 2011). This study also reflects the importance of understanding an organization’s climate and surrounding environment in order to shed some light regarding its preferences (Black et.al, 2011). It is possible that an organization might not understand its options and other factors that could greatly benefit its scope of practice, such as patient care technology to enhance safety (Powell-Cope et.al, 2008). Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to identify the resources that are necessary to ensure that these technologies are at least considered for future practice settings (Powell-Cope et.al, 2008).

Conclusion

Perhaps most relevant to the Black et.al (2011) article is its understanding of the limitations that many organizations have because they are not prepared to manage their resources and take risks. This poses a continuous challenge for organizations and requires them to make decisions by acquiring new forms of knowledge regarding these tools. This process is likely to provide a greater understanding of these technologies as a means of enhancing productivity and progress. It appears that the article was written to provide a framework for enhancing decision-making capabilities for organizations through the identification of different weaknesses that currently exist. This article uses a qualitative approach because it reflects the importance of different perspectives in establishing guidelines to improve organizational outcomes in different ways.

References

Black, A.D., Car, J., Pagliari, C., Anandan, C., Cresswell, K., Bokun, T., McKinstry, B., Procter, R., Majeed, A., and Sheikh, A. (2011). The Impact of eHealth on the Quality and Safety of Health Care: A Systematic Overview. PLOS Medicine, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000387

Powell-Cope, G., Nelson, A.L, and Patterson, E.S. (2008). Chapter 50: patient care technology and safety. Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.