title: Digital transformation in home care. A case study.
abstract: Simply implementing software and technology does not assure that an organization's targeted clinical and financial goals will be realized. No longer is it possible to roll out a new system--by solely providing end user training and overlaying it on top of already inefficient workflows and outdated roles--and know with certainty that targets will be met. At Virtua Health's Home Care, based in south New Jersey, implementation of their electronic system initially followed this more traditional approach. Unable to completely attain their earlier identified return on investment, they enlisted the help of a new role within their health system, that of the nurse informaticist. Knowledgeable in complex clinical processes and not bound by the technology at hand, the informaticist analyzed physical workflow, digital workflow, roles and physical layout. Leveraging specific tools such as change acceleration, workouts and LEAN, the informaticist was able to redesign workflow and support new levels of functionality. This article provides a view from the "finish line", recounting how this role worked with home care to assimilate information delivery into more efficient processes and align resources to support the new workflow, ultimately achieving real tangible returns.
authors.affiliation: Virtua Home Care, USA.
authors.forename: Sandy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bennis
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Costanzo
authors.forename: Ann Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: Agatha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reidy
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tronni
mesh_terms: D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D009515:New Jersey; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000379:methods