Module 5 System Development Life Cycle PDF

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System Development Life Cycle A Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) provides a standard project management framework that can improve the quality of information systems. Following a consistent project management framework to boost quality outcomes can equally be applied to healthcare improvement (Curry, McGregor & Tracy, 2007). Technology specialists are experts in the field of technology and understand the mechanics of a new technology. Similarly, nurses are experts in the field of nursing and therefore understand the dynamic flow of patient care and the frequent interactions needed between numerous healthcare providers. It is imperative for nurses to understand new technology, and for technology specialists to comprehend how the equipment and software will need to interface with a facility’s existing systems (Weckman & Janzen, 2009). Involving nurses who work at the point of care as end users in all phases of introducing a new technology facilitates a smooth transition to using the new technology and increases nurses’ buy-in of the system. These phases of the SDLC include planning, analysis, design, implementation and maintenance. During the planning stage, the nurse leader’s role is to identify the scope of the problem and determine the solutions (McGonigle & Mastrian 2017). The nurse leader works in tandem with the members of the project team on the steps to take towards finding the possible solutions. When the input of nurses is not sought, this hinders open communication and limits the technology team’s ability to fully identify the problematic process at its root and integrate the technology safely (Vogelsmeier & Scott-Cawiezell, 2009). The collected ideas are processed and examined in the analysis phase. The data collected is transformed into measurable and tangible information. The nurse as an end user offers the technology team the minimum requirements necessary to develop a functional system. The

technology team would otherwise develop a system that does not suit the client’s needs rendering the technology dysfunctional and unsuccessful (Glancey, Brooks& Vaughan, 1990). The Design Phase seeks to develop detailed specifications that emphasize the physical solution to the user's information technology needs. Designing the system focused on the features of operation, functionality, interface and how user friendly it is. The nurses identify the ease or complexity of the design to use day to day. Denying the nurses an opportunity to participate in this stage can lead to designs that intimidate the users and may encourage shortcuts which may mitigate the desired outcome for which the technology was intended (Glancey, Brooks& Vaughan, 1990). Implementation of the system is a key component. The system is deployed to the “live” environment where the actual user begins to operate the system. The nurses as the end user gets to use the technology for what it was intended. The nurses can relay to the technology team if the results compare to the desired outcome. Nurses are more likely to integrate the new system into their routine work. Without prior involvement, the nurses during implementation may express frustration which may cause a ripple effect in other aspects of their duties and cause harm to patients (Glancey, Brooks& Vaughan, 1990). Maintenance phase identifies any necessary enhancements, corrections, and changes that can be made to make sure the system continues to work, and stay updated to meet the desired goals. The nurse can provide feedback on making changes to the system in order to accommodate the intricate needs of the patients and enhance performance and safety. Without feedback from nursing, it is difficult for the technology to improve and measure up with the evolving healthcare needs (Glancey, Brooks& Vaughan, 1990).

The involvement of nurses throughout the SDLC process is an important key to success in using these technologies. Inclusion and listening carefully to the comments and feedback from nurses is essential, because it is the nurses who are in the best position to identify the pieces necessary to resolve underlying systemic issues and offer ideas for possible resolution and improvement (Weckman & Janzen, 2009). The cycle does not conclude until all the requirements have been fulfilled, and will continue until all the potential needs are adjusted within the system.

References Curry, J. M., McGregor, C., & Tracy, S. (2007). A systems development life cycle approach to patient journey modeling projects. Studies in health technology and informatics, 129(Pt 2), 905–909. Glancey, T. S., Brooks, G. M., & Vaughan, V. S. (1990). Hospital information systems. Nursing's integral role. Computers in nursing, 8(2), 55–59. McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Vogelsmeier, A., & Scott-Cawiezell, J. (2009). The role of nursing leadership in successful technology implementation. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 39(7/8), 313-314. doi:10.1097/NNA.0b013e3181ae94e2 Weckman, H., & Janzen, S. (2009). The critical nature of early nursing involvement for introducing new technologies. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 14(2) Retrieved from

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