Implementing new technology into clinical workflow has the potential to provide huge benefits to patients and providers, given the process is executed properly. Unfortunately, there are far too many examples in healthcare of technology with great potential going unused due to unsuccessful integration into the existing workflow. As technology becomes more common in healthcare, it’s important for healthcare providers to have a clear understanding of what is needed to drive meaningful and lasting adoption.
As a healthcare technology creator, Digital Diagnostics has prioritized thoughtful integration since the beginning, starting with validating our technology in the intended clinical workflow to ensure the least amount of disruption for providers. We continue to prioritize successful installation and use of our flagship product, LumineticsCore™, by providing each customer with a dedicated Customer Success Representative who is specially trained to facilitate successful implementation of our system into clinical workflow.
Our Customer Success team helps with facilitating technical and clinical planning sessions, partners to find the best way to incorporate the technology into existing clinical workflows, provides initial and ongoing training to camera operators, and engages with customers beyond the initial implementation to facilitate long term success. As we have collaborated with a variety of customers and integrated our system into many different workflows, our Customer Success team has learned what it takes to optimize successful implementation of a new technology into clinical workflow.
Here are some steps you can take to facilitate successful implementation of new technology:
Choose the Right Team
Choosing the right team is crucial when implementing new technology into clinical workflow. A cohesive, skilled team can boost productivity and innovation, laying the foundation for a seamless and effective transition. Consider these strategies for choosing the right team:
- Make sure all the key project team roles are identified and resourced appropriately
- Ensure each member of the team has bandwidth to participate
- Designate an engaged executive sponsor of the program to facilitate buy-in from the top of the organization down
- Identify a lead who acts as a champion that ensures on-going use, measures KPI’s, and identifies program goals toward growth over time
Consider Potential Roadblocks
Ideally, implementing a new technology into clinical workflow will improve clinical outcomes and efficiency. However, to enhance the likelihood of success, it’s important to anticipate and address potential roadblocks prior to implementation. Potential roadblocks and solutions considerations:
- EHR or other technology upgrades that may overlap with implementation of the new technology
- Evaluate any relevant updates that are planned and schedule implementation to avoid overlap.
- On-site construction or events
- If there is a construction project or event scheduled in the intended location of the new technology, make sure you have an alternate location identified to avoid delays.
- Project components that rely on a third-party
- If any aspect of the integration will rely on third-party involvement, be sure to specify requirements and timelines ahead of time.
- Competing projects
- Proactively define and communicate your project plan with relevant stakeholders to avoid project implementation overlap.
Optimize Your Workflow
While the integration of new technology has the potential to optimize workflow, there’s no need to delay optimization until deployment. Instead, take a proactive approach and optimize your workflow prior to implementing new technologies. This can include:
- Ensuring workflows are established
- Formulating order processes
- Putting policies/procedures in place
- Completing all documentation prior to deployment
- Setup and training on the technology ahead of planned start date
- Considering local, state, and organizational protocol that might require alternate methods
Reduce Adoption Delays
After implementation, it’s important to reinforce learnings and establish habits by promoting adoption and acceptance of the technology. There are several ways to reduce adoption delays, such as:
- Making sure adequate staffing resources are available
- Involving key stakeholders as early as possible
- Communicating the benefits, accuracy, and safety of the technology to staff
- Preparing for patient education and engagement when relevant
Prioritize Ongoing Program Maintenance
Ongoing program maintenance plays a key role in the successful adoption of new technology. Consistent performance checks can help ensure the technology is delivering the desired results, ultimately improving clinical performance and workflow. Some examples of ongoing program maintenance include:
- Choosing the right internal stakeholders to monitor and evaluate strategic goals and key performance indicators
- Ensuring there is a plan for follow-up when additional action or training is needed
- Establishing a cadence to review program health and progress towards strategic goals
At Digital Diagnostics we believe that successful installation and ongoing use of new technology in healthcare is possible with the right planning, preparation, and partnership. To learn more about Digital Diagnostics and the successful integration of LumineticsCore into healthcare workflows across the country, visit www.digitaldiagnostics.com.