Introduction
The world is experiencing rapid advancement in information technology; the developments have been implemented in profit and non-profit making organizations; Medical facilities aim at offering quality medical services. In the efforts of improving its processes, a decision was made to adopt a health information-management system (HIMS). HIMS follows a set of procedures that can be defined in a flow chart diagram to give the entry and exit of a certain phase during implementation. When implementing HISM, the medical facility interested should consult the developer who will advise them on the right channels and procedures they should follow; data flow charts are project management tools that divide the entire projects into potions of works that need to be handled within a certain period (Bruce &Fottler,2005). This paper analyzes how data flow diagrams assist in HIMS implementation.
HIMS and Data flow diagrams
When implementing a change system, there are factors that an organization needs to consider for an effective change. A Health information-management system (HIMS) is a computerized system used in medical facilities to facilitate the flow of data and information within the organization for fast and effective decision-making. The system handles both patient information as well as general medical facility information.
When adopting HISM the facility on the question should implement modern projects management system that takes place within micro-projects of related and interlinked processes; they follow multi-project management within an organization. To follow the procedure, different steps can be defined by a relevant flow chart diagram that details the entire project. Data flow diagrams give room to execution of multiple important activities (projects) simultaneously without conflicts of interest and each enjoying from the intensive cross-functional cooperation. Resources are scarce; thus, they need to be managed effectively, when implementing a multi-project organization, it offers a channel of flexibility in resource allocation, the flexibly assists in allocating resources effectively and reducing any chance of waste or delay in completion of a project for resources purposes.
Data flow diagrams facilitate communication within the project factor that facilitates the invention and innovation of better resource management systems. In an effective multi-project in an organization, each stakeholder has a role to play in fulfilling the final obligation of the project. Neither role should be seen as inferior to the other however all tasks should be seen as equal.
Information in a medical facility is of crucial importance, management of information at medical facilities is a priority of the management, however, before the implementation, there has been a case of misleading information and delay of service delivery with lack of information being given as the answer. The medical industry is undergoing transitions; these translations require medical facilities to align themselves with new developments in the industry. Change improves the current conditions via taking a complete strategy or adopting a different way of doing things. Change management is a process where the management learn, understand and critically think about alterations they are supposed to make in an organization so as the general performance of the organization is improved. With the invention of computers and information technology, software’s that can manage information, has been developed. When adopting such systems, then there will be new methods of handing, keeping, collecting, interpolating and retrieving information. The new system will involve the use of computer hardware and software. To translate effectively from traditional information management systems to computerized systems, medical facilities need to adopt an effective change management policy
Before medical facilities adopt a health information-management system (HIMS), management had to understand that the system could only succeed if the employees are positive about the change. This calls for gradual process of implementing the change. The facility’s culture is one of the factors that can affect the change negatively or positively. The change agents should understand this well before implementing the change program (Tan, 2010).
Data flow diagrams involve running of multiple projects simultaneously; each project has a contribution to the main project goal, it has all characteristics to a full project and need to be managed effectively. Tan an expert in health facilities management summarizes data flow diagrams-project management as interrelated activities that lead to final objectives. A project is attained through collaboration of number of people, managers, supervisors, people on the ground and any contractors. The team and its combination should be selected and given the specific tasks that they are wanted to perform in the organization.
Before the project has been implemented, there is the need to have a team that is going to discuss the possibility and the expected outcome of the business the team that will involve itself in a market analysis program where it will correct data on various issues and analyses them.
Conclusion
When adopting health information management systems (HIMS), data flow diagrams are used to guide the path through which various activities involved in the implementation will follow. HIMS project managers should be keen and sensitive to risks likely to affect the full cycle of the project; they should ensure every stage has been document.
References
Bruce, F. and Fottler, M.,2005. Human Resources in Health Care, Managing for Success. Michigan: Health Administration Press.
Tan, J. (2010) Adaptive Health Management Information Stsyems.pgs.124, 125,189, & 265. Jones and Barlett Publishers ed and handled professionally.