Implementing an informatics system in a perioperative environment

This article identifies and describes strategies for successful implementation of an informatics system in a perioperative environment. With the trend toward managed care, perioperative nurses must address the challenge of instituting advanced technology in organizations with limited staffing and other resources. Planning methods of the past no longer are relevant in today's health care systems; therefore, innovative planning approaches are important. Five key elements in implementation of an informatics system are: a collaborative planning process, education and involvement of staff members regarding the systems design, development of a timetable, selection of a focus group, and assessment of staff members' training requirements. Methods are described for using a focus group process, including recommendations for structuring the focus group and establishing responsibilities of core group members.