Struggling to bridge the gap between clinical and IT teams in healthcare technology adoption?

It is crucial that IT and Clinical leadership go to Gemba and actually observe work flows, what the HIS brings in the current version, what are user defined parameters and what the patient, IT, Clinician and Hospital or healthcare system leadership expects. When things are well-done, support contributes to patient experience, inpatient to outpatient continuity, clinical outcomes, ease of IT work and teams that are happy to work together because the patient and family outcomes and safety are paramount!

The key to this area is building a direct relationship between IT professionals and healthcare providers. Too often, I see IT telling the clinicians what they should be doing or clinicians telling the IT professionals how bad their product is. Only through understanding can this gap be bridged. Building teams with IT professionals and clinicians is the first and most important step to moving this agenda forward.

In large-scale tech integration and adoption, top-down buy-in is crucial. Leadership must be the first to adopt and champion these changes. Understanding the specific needs and workflows of clinicians is essential for IT professionals. By observing daily routines and addressing pain points, IT teams can develop technology solutions that truly enhance patient care and clinical efficiency. Leadership's active involvement and support ensure that these initiatives are prioritized and embraced throughout the organization.

Too often, there is not clear lines of communication between the clinicians and air professionals— this leads to a fractured system that will fail.

In a couple of recent implementations of EMRs in major teaching hospitals, I saw IT and healthcare providers directly engaged in the same sessions. It was amazing how much valuable learning occurred and how much value both groups derived from the interaction. Joint training greatly accelerates success on "both sides of the aisle."

One of the most effective ways to not only engage physicians is to find and allow a physician with a bent towards technology to help lead the decision making process during the application building and design. Their operational and clinical knowledge will prove pivotal in the overall outcome of the product as well as their satisfaction and usage of the application.

Physicians are used to working at odd hours, and do a help desk that is available for them at these “off” hours is crucial.