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         Multiple studies have shown the importance of the inclusion of nurses in the Systems Development Life Cycle. For

example, McGonigle  &  Mastrian, ( 2017, p. 175)  identify the need to have all of the stakeholders involved from the beginning to

the end of the systems development life cycle (SDLC), creating the right team to manage the development is key

(McGonigle  &  Mastrian, 2017, Chapter 9). Another author emphasizes that user involvement in the SDLC process is preferred

when planning for the installation of a new or upgraded technology ( Larman,2005 as cited in Mclean, 2015).  We still see many

healthcare organization ignoring the importance and the benefits of nurses involved during this process.
 

         Nurses know their workflow and dynamic that takes to care for their patients. Technology professionals are just experts in

technology. It is essential that the organization, technology professional and nurse leaders meet before introducing or purchasing

the new technology. In the planning phase, nurses leaders have the opportunity to make questions and provide input regarding the

new technology and this will help them feel part of the process ( Weckman & Janzen, 2009). 

         If nurse leaders are not part of the analysis phase, they will not be able to identify how the new technology would

impact them and their workflow. During the design phase, nurses leaders can help identify which data will be essential to

maintain, improve or eliminate to facilitate the design of the new technology and also at the same time improve patient care

( McGonigle  &  Mastrian, 2017). During the implementation phase, the involvement of the nurse leader is also important, it will

facilitate that this new system will be introduced smoothly to the nurse staff.  Nurse staff may be resistant to assimilate and use

new technology. This problem will diminished if nurse leaders were part of the process and project themself comfortable with

the new technology, this will result in that nurse staff will feel that they have a support system that will guide them through the

change (Burns, 2012). Weckman & Janz, (2009), highlighted that during the last phase of maintenance and evaluation, it is

essential the communication between nurse leaders and their nurse staff. Nurse leaders need to seek staff input, so they can

work on recurring problems and their potential solutions.

         I have not have the opportunity to participate in a process like this in my short nursing experience. But I

do believe that every nurse that provide direct patient care should be involved in setting and evaluating organizational policies

related to the implementation of new technologies, this will ensure that these technologies meet safety standard for patient care. 

Nurse leaders should be involved in the nurse staff training, system maintenance, monitoring,  and report any adverse event-

related to the new technology ( Powell-Cope, Nelson & Patterson, 2008).

                                                                                          Reference

Burns, E. (2012). Nurses have an important role to play during technology implementation. Retrieved from

https://searchhealthit.techtarget.com/news/2240166948/Nurses-have-an-important-role-to-play-during-technology-implementation

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.).

         Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning

McLean, J. A. (2014). Nursing’s Voice in Healthcare IT Acquisition Decisions (Doctoral dissertation).

         Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Nursing%E2%80%99s+Voice+in+Healthcare+IT+Acquisition+Decisions&inst=7311101921447552140&h1=en
 

Powell-Cope, G., Nelson, A. L., & Patterson, E. S. (2008). Patient care technology and safety. In Patient safety and quality: An

        evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2686/

Weckman, H. N., & Janzen, S. K. (2009). The critical nature of early nursing involvement for introducing new

         technologies. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 14(2), 1–11. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-

         com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=105264473&site=eds-live&scope=siteç

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Discussion post

SDLC process involves planning, analysis, designing, implementation, and maintenance and evaluation stages (Laureate Education (Producer), 2018). This is a lifecycle and the planning stage is more important in setting up the project for success or failure. Implementation is taking the new system and customizing it to the services of the business (InnovativeArchitects, n.d.). All departments need to have their representation in the steering committee and these include healthcare personnel such as physicians, nurses, and administrators such as directors and managers.

Nurses are key healthcare providers with knowledge and experience about patient care at the ground level. They interact with patients a lot more and understand their needs. By involving nurses in all stages of the SDLC, there will be a smooth transition of the system and acceptance. Failure to involve nurses increases the chances of system failure. Nurses will gladly adopt technology they had planned and implemented by conducting trials in the nursing unit and ascertaining that indeed the technology has benefits (Weckman & Janzen, 2009).

The planning stage involves the definition of the problem and the solution using resources, time, and costs. The nurse provides a solution based on nursing skills and experience. The analyzing stage involves assessing the needs of the users and the project. The nurses suggest the needs the project has to meet. The design stage involves the definition of the features of the system and a nurse will suggest some of the critical features beneficial to patients at the wards (Laureate Education (Producer), 2018). The implementation stage involves the shift from the previous system to the new system. Mostly, nurses will be the ones to use this new system when attending to patients. The maintenance and evaluation stage involves evaluating performance and fine-tuning the system. The nurses will suggest areas that have to be changed, removed, or added to make the system better (InnovativeArchitects, n.d.)

Other nurses and I were included in the selection and planning of an Electronic Health Record system in our hospital. We gave our experiences as nurses as to how the system would be beneficial in the nursing departments to both the nurses as well as the patient. Additionally, we proposed several policies, procedures, and operational mechanisms to be included in the system to increase efficiency. The involvement of nurses encouraged acceptance, a smooth flow, and a good transition of the new system in the hospital. In addition to that, some of the important features during patient history taking were included in the system.

References:

InnovativeArchitects. SDLC: Seven Phases of the System Development Life Cycle. Retrieved 22 January 2020, from https://www.innovativearchitects.com/KnowledgeCenter/basic-IT-systems/system-development-life-cycle.aspx

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Managing Health Information Technology [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Weckman, H., & Janzen, S. (2009). The critical nature of early nursing involvement for introducing new technologies. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 14(2).

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