A Critical Voice: Why Nurse Input Makes or Breaks Technology Implementation
Healthcare technology implementations succeed or fail based on how well they integrate into clinical workflows. When nurses are involved in the evaluation, design, and implementation of technology, the results are better for patients, clinicians, and healthcare organizations.
A 2024 Industry Perspective from HIMSS validates that healthcare IT implementations with strong nurse leadership are more likely to meet their goals. This isn't surprising when we consider that nurses possess unique insights into how technology can support real-world clinical workflows.
Why Nurse Input is Essential
The most successful healthcare technology implementations share a common factor: meaningful nurse involvement from the very beginning.
Let’s look at a few examples:
- Clinical Workflow Expertise
Nurses understand the practical realities of daily patient care. They can identify when a theoretically sound design will create problems in actual practice, preventing workflow disruptions before they occur.
- Patient Advocacy
Patients have different needs, and nurses pay close attention to those differences. They consider the diverse circumstances of their patient population, including those who may have limited technology experience, language barriers, or disabilities. In addition, they ensure digital whiteboards display clear, accurate information for patients and other care team members.
- Practical Adoption
Nurses can identify potential resistance points and develop strategies to help their teams embrace change. Erin Pangallo, MS, BSN, RN, Clinical Implementation Director with Vibe Health by eVideon, explains, “Our nurse partners are exceptional advocates for their teams. They are willing to share valuable feedback on the pace of change they can effectively take on. Those insights allow us to tailor solutions that support their operational needs, and most importantly, their patients’ wellbeing.” [1] [2]
- Safety Considerations
Patient safety is always top of mind. Nurses help identify and mitigate potential problems before implementation. Vibe Health Aware digital door signs, for example, can be customized to include patient and staff safety information in real-time.
Vibe Health by eVideon's approach focuses on understanding the unique workflows of each facility and each unit. This detailed discovery process often reveals opportunities for standardization and improvement that hospitals hadn't identified.
“We take a collaborative approach, working with them from the beginning to understand their workflow and then implement the technology to match or enhance the workflow,” notes Jennifer Taylor, MSN, RN, Clinical Solutions Director at eVideon. This type of partnership builds trust between technology providers and nursing teams.
Chelsey Kamla, MSN, RN, Clinical Solutions Director with Vibe Health by eVideon adds, “We expect nurses to be their own advocates, to tell us what works well or what doesn't. Technology is always evolving and improving. We look to nurses for that front-line expertise and ideas on how to improve.”
Nurses are critical collaborators who can guide technology to support clinical workflows. Their hands-on expertise ensures that digital solutions support the overall patient experience.
The nurses we work with are excellent advocates; they help us understand.... I am wondering if "very vocal" sometimes has a negative connotation. Open to thoughts, suggestions.
This may be another way to say it, as well
We've gathered valuable insights from our clients regarding the pace of change they can effectively absorb. The nurses we partner with provide crucial feedback, enabling us to tailor solutions that align with their operational needs and, most importantly, the well-being of their patients.
COMING SOON >> Part 3 of this blog series—Restoring Purpose: How Technology Can Bring Joy to Nursing.
For more information on our Vibe Health smart room platform, or to contact a member of our nursing team, contact us at hello@evideon.com.
