Developing a model for technology assessment. A system helps its facilities prepare for technological change.
In 1991 the Franciscan Health System (FHS), Philadelphia, created a Technology Assessment Task Force to support specific goals and strategies in the FHS strategic plan and to help prepare its members for technological change. Because FHS is a large and diverse system, with facilities in seven states both on the East Coast and in the Pacific Northwest, the task force needed to develop flexible recommendations with broad applicability. The task force recommended a time-phased approach for changing the way technology is identified, acquired, and used in FHS organizations. Key recommendations included (1) creating a standing FHS technology steering committee, (2) implementing a technology assessment model for selected technology activities, (3) sponsoring systemwide technology conferences, and (4) reviewing FHS technology actions, revising as appropriate. The system and hospital leadership adopted the task force's recommendations and are now implementing them.
Franciscan Health Services Northwest, Tacoma, WA.
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D002410:Catholicism; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D016519:Hospitals, Religious / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009096:Multi-Institutional Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015205:Northwestern United States; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011367:Professional Staff Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D011682:Purchasing, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D012107:Research Design; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*