Role description for nurse based on SDLC
Introduction: Owing to the need for a new documentation system in the nursing department and its consequent implementation, there is a requirement of the system to be usable and acceptable to the nurses impacted. The system development and implementation process necessitate that there must be a representative from the group that is going to be directly affected by the use of this system. Therefore, the presence of a graduate-level nurse in the software team is vital to ensure the system is a success in terms of functionality, relevance, and specificity. The involvement of a nurse leader on the implementation team certainly has benefits and challenges, which shall be discussed accordingly.
Steps of SDLC and role of the nurse in each level in terms of participation and impact: The SDLC, which stands for Systems Development Life Cycle, is a methodology that clearly defines processes of creating high-quality software that is user-friendly and customized. The steps are listed as follows: planning and requirements, analysis, design of the new system, implementation, and post-implementation.
Planning and requirements: This step requires a proper guide to the flow of the system implementation process. The nurse participates here by giving ideas on how best the system can be organized to meet needs in accordance with priority. The knowledge and experience of the nurse are useful in providing insights on which plan would be the most appropriate. The requirements aspect is vital and dictates what is needed for the system to work. Having worked with both patients and other nurses, the nurse gives useful information on how convenience is a factor in assembling the materials needed for the system.
Analysis: This stage involves the evaluation of the plans and requirements of the system to see whether it qualifies for design. It is the stage where a test run or feasibility test is done on the theoretical approach to the system. The nurse participates actively in being used as a think tank for theory application in their mind with a view to determine whether they think the system is applicable. The thought dynamics presented by the nurse are beneficial for the design procedure.
Design of a new system: It is the step where the draft of the system is molded into a functioning structure. This process of shaping the system must include the nurse to ensure they are indeed relevant. The nurse gives valid suggestions on how the design can be improved or modified to run optimally just by observing the design and being there every step of the way.
Implementation: This stage involves the installation of the system in the healthcare facility in question—the nurse aids in identifying and directing the engineers to where their system ought to be installed. The aim here is convenience and strategic setting. The nurse, who is the first to be trained on how to use the system and its applications, is responsible for disseminating this information and expertise to fellow nurses. The goal is to work together to ensure the system is a success.
Post-implementation support: This step is an overview of how the system is running after its installation. The nurse plays a key role in being the main person for adequate feedback on the report of the progress of the system. Having been on the planning, design, and implementation stages, the nurse is now well informed on what should be changed, removed, or developed further depending on patient requirements for nurses’ convenience.
Benefits and challenges of involving nurse leaders on the implementation team: The advantages of having a nurse in the implementation team are numerous, The team enjoys a first-hand source of information where they can easily refer to the nurse for any piece of intel they need for software development. The nurse is also able to monitor the progress of design and implementation to ensure smooth running. They are the main referral points for feedback on how the system is working so far. Unfortunately, these nurses can turn from being assets to being liabilities. One way is through possible false information given. The nurse may be opposed to the new software and may knowingly wish to sabotage the system even before its functionality. Another challenge that may arise is the fact the nurse may require additional training on the aspects of software development to keep them at par with associated languages and terms. This may necessitate additional costs to the project that had not been budgeted for.
Conclusion: The nurse indeed plays a key role in system development and implementation. The success and functionality of the system are pegged on the critical data the nurse provides in accordance with the requirements of system development and the customizing of this system to meet the needs of the nurses and patients who are the primary targets. The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a useful step by step tool that guides the course of action for every member of the implementation team. Therefore, everything is set to work harmoniously to result in overall efficiency and specificity, with the nurse having contributed significantly.
References
https://www.facebook.com/Stackify, & https://www.facebook.com/Stackify. (2017, December 12). What is SDLC? Understand the Software Development Life Cycle. Retrieved from Stackify website: https://stackify.com/what-is-sdlc/