Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:The Culture of Health Care
Unit:Sociotechnical Aspects: Clinicians and Technology
Lecture:Sociotechnical aspects of health care
Slide content:Intersection of Social and Technical Changes Change occurs simultaneously and in parallel with the delivery of health care In the past, the clinical workflow of physicians was independent of technology Now, with the advent of the EHR, clinical systems, and other technologies, social and technical aspects of patient care are interdependent Changes in technology require clinicians to make substantial changes to the way they deliver patient care, and vice versa 12
Slide notes:As change occurs in a health care organization, it occurs in parallel with the delivery of health care because clinicians cant stop taking care of patients while they master new systems. In the past, physicians could see patients, write orders, and plan for care without intersecting significantly with technology. Now, with the advent of the EHR and other clinical systems, the social and technical aspects of patient care are interdependent. Changes in technology require clinicians to make substantial changes to the way they deliver patient care. The converse is also true; changes in patient care may require changes in technology. Successful implementations must address people and processes as well as technology. Implementations should proactively address the integration of information systems with operational processes, procedures, workflow, job duties, and staff capabilities. 12