Computerized interdisciplinary assessment

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Information Systems

Background:

• Healthcare delivery is rapidly evolving due to sophisticated clinical information systems.
• Access to organized patient information is crucial for improving care quality and continuity.
• The Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center faced challenges with rapid technological and healthcare system changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a computerized process for interdisciplinary patient assessment and treatment.
• To explore the application of a realistic change management model in a healthcare setting.
• To facilitate the transition to computerized interdisciplinary assessment within a reorganized service line structure.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a computerized process for interdisciplinary assessment and treatment.
• Integration within a service line reorganization and a computerized medical record system.
• Application of a change model emphasizing realistic strategies, planning, and barrier identification.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a computerized interdisciplinary assessment and treatment process.
• Facilitation of the move to computerized assessment despite rapid system changes.
• Improved access to organized patient information supporting enhanced care.

Conclusions:

• Computerized systems for healthcare information collection and dissemination enhance service levels, quality, and continuity of care.
• A realistic change management model is effective in navigating rapid technological and systemic changes in healthcare.
• The computerized interdisciplinary assessment system improved patient care processes at the medical center.