Computerized interdisciplinary assessment

Systems and technology that support the collection and dissemination of healthcare information improve service levels, enhance quality, and improve continuity of care. The delivery of patient care is changing rapidly because sophisticated clinical information systems are providing fast, organized access to large amounts of patient information (Ornstein et al., 1997). The Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix developed and implemented a computerized process for interdisciplinary assessment and treatment of patients. This was accomplished within the framework of a recent reorganization into service lines and the initiation of a computerized medical record system. Traditional frameworks for change management often include a methodical picture of the required steps or phases of the change process. The rapid rate of change, both technologically and in the healthcare system, however, defies the application of some aspects of traditional change theory. A model for change that considers realistic change strategies, including good planning and identification of barriers, was used to facilitate the move to computerized interdisciplinary assessment (Daly, Button, Prophet, Clarke, & Androwich, 1997).