Project Design and Schedule, Essay Example

The implementation of a Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system requires implementation of specific infrastructure including the specific hardware and software to ensure the system runs properly, has the appropriate security levels and has the storage capability to encapsulate the data.  The purpose of a CPOE system is to allow electronic processing of medical practitioners’ guidance and instructions into a centralized database that can be accessed from anywhere on the network.  This information provides information on the treatment of the patients under the practitioners care but also allows for collaboration, instant access to data and a standardized operating procedure to access and act on information.  The CPOE has a place throughout the treatment lifecycle from when the patient first enters into the process all the way through testing and prescription assignment.  This type of system is able to reduce errors by limiting the error possibilities in order entry and provides real-time feedback and information on the patient.

In order to implement this type of project there is a need to undertake a project that will address not only the implementation of the system itself which includes the hardware setups and configurations and the software implementation but also the cultural change to the hospital operations.  The adapting capability of the staff is the key to the success of the implementation and the users of the system must have complete buy-in to create an environment where the project can succeed (Sarin, Sego, Kohli, and Challagalla, 2010).  The development of the infrastructure will require the implementation of both wired and wireless CPOE capability.  This requirement is necessary due to the increased capability for the practitioners to utilize notebooks, tablets and smartphones to conduct their work.  The ease of use and instant access demands the ability to have a secured and stable wireless network integrated into the CPOE infrastructure.  The infrastructure needs include server installs, wiring configurations, desk top computers, docking stations for laptop, wireless access points (APs), firewalls and security policies and procedures to be implemented.  The project will occur over the course of fifty-five (55) weeks and will occur in an iterative process rollout.

It is imperative to understand the mission of the organization and to understand the project objectives.  Increasing the quality and quantity of information will provide the patient and the medical staff all of the necessary data to make informed decisions on the care provided as well as the care that is expected.  There will be one source of information that is accessible throughout the facility by those that need the information.  The implementation of this project will follow the waterfall project management methodology according to the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK).  The project itself will require implementation of both a technical solution as well as a business process implementation.  The technology implementation will include hardware and software implementation prior to the launch CPOE system to the staff.  Concurrently with the hardware and software implementation, the second half of the project will focus on the business processes implementation.

The project will have eight primary milestones including designing the system, requesting quotes for hardware and software, install of the hardware, configuration of the software, testing the system based upon requirements, pilot of the system, end user training and acceptance and launching the for iterative phase of the project.  The subsequent phases of the project will occur in more rapid succession as the framework of the project has been put in place and the system is operational.  The below chart is an outline of the first phase of the project.

References

Sarin, S., Sego, T., Kohli, A., and Challagalla, G., (2010). Characteristics that enhance training effectiveness in implementing technological change in sales strategy: a field-based exploratory study. Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management. Print.