The Benefits of Technology Planning, Coursework Example

Information systems indeed play a significant role in determine the scope and breadth of modern healthcare practice. With the number of systems that are available, organizations have many choices in advancing their information technologies; therefore, they must determine their objectives and use a system that will drive a strategy moving forward. Information technology planning requires expert knowledge and allocation of resources to promote cost efficiency and long-term success through quality care improvement and other factors (Gattadahalli, 2013).

All healthcare professionals play a role in shaping the IT environment and in identifying the needs that are most critical, from electronic health records to medication administration (Hebda & Czar, 2013). Most importantly, an organization must focus on its core objectives and recognize the value of a strategy that will encompass a strong and focused planning environment (Romney, 2010). A strategy must encompass the complex issues that all healthcare systems face and the difficulties associated with developing a system that supports many different focus areas (Sittig & Singh, 2010). Critical thinking skills and strategic planning are instrumental in advancing outcomes and in promoting an environment that shapes long-term growth and quality improvement for a healthcare organization (Sittig & Singh, 2010).

It is anticipated that decision-making at the executive leadership level will be successful if there is widespread involvement from other areas in making decisions regarding information technologies, as this will determine the most strategic approach to utilize existing resources wisely and to uncover new objectives to facilitate growth and technological advancement within the scope of the practice environment. Healthcare systems must embrace these tools to meet government mandates and to be proactive in their efforts to provide optimal quality care to all patients.

References

Gattadahalli, S. (2013, January 1). Ten practices for health IT planning. Retrieved from http://journal.ahima.org/2013/01/01/ten-practices-for-health-it-strategic-planning/ (Links to an external site.)

Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (5 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:Pearson Education.
Romney, B. (2010). The benefits of technology planning. Retrieved from http://www.romney.com/tp/planbenefits.htm

Sittig, D. F., & Singh, H. (2010). A new sociotechnical model for studying health information technology in complex adaptive healthcare systems. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 19(Suppl 3), i68-i74.