Informatics: Strategy Before Technology

By Denise Hammel

Within the Standards and Scope of Informatics Practice, the authors cite Benner, Hooper-Kyriadkidis, and Stannard (2011) concept of “Thinking-in-action” as a key approach to the administration of care. This is an important concept in light of the technology used in clinical practice today and how that technology might avow or disavowal itself to this ideal.…

Lean and the IT Dept

By Denise Hammel

Too often, I see organizations with robust Lean/Six Sigma departments yet there is a complete disconnect with Information Technology. Where an opportunity could exist to integrate a Lean approach to technology implementations, there is a void. Lean/Six Sigma often focuses on operational efforts and quality initiatives, which is not inappropriate by any means, but does…

Informatics’ Changing Landscape

By Denise Hammel

Are you ready? On December 2, 2014, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) released the revised Standards and Scope of Practice for Nursing Informatics. These revised standards come at a pivotal point when organizations are examining their informatics department: Do we have the right people to implement advanced EHR concepts? Do we have the right…

Is Lean Relevant?

By Denise Hammel

Some people may argue that Lean is a fad or doesn’t really apply to the healthcare market. We have always disagreed with this position. Now that the US Government has saddled the healthcare community with a host of requirements, restrictions, and reduced reimbursements, these organizations need to find ways to squeeze every bit of value…