title: Are Technology Interruptions Impacting Your Bottom Line? An Innovative Proposal for Change.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nursing interruptions are a costly and dangerous variable in acute care hospitals. Malfunctioning technology equipment interrupts nursing care and prevents full utilization of computer safety systems to prevent patient care errors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper identifies an innovative approach to nursing interruptions related to computer and computer cart malfunctions. The impact on human resources is defined and outcome measures were proposed. A multifaceted proposal, based on a literature review, aimed at reducing nursing interruptions is presented. This proposal is expected to increase patient safety, as well as patient and nurse satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acute care hospitals utilizing electronic medical records and bar-coded medication administration technology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nurses, information technology staff, nursing informatics staff, and all leadership teams affected by technology problems and their proposed solutions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature from multiple fields was reviewed to evaluate research related to computer/computer cart failures, and the approaches used to resolve these issues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Outcome measured strategic goals related to patient safety, and nurse and patient satisfaction. Specific help desk metrics will demonstrate the effect of interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper addresses a gap in the literature and proposes practical and innovative solutions. A comprehensive computer and computer cart repair program is essential for patient safety, financial stewardship, and utilization of resources.
authors.affiliation: Doctor of Nursing Practice Student, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN.
authors.forename: Tamera
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ledbetter
authors.affiliation: Doctor of Nursing Practice Student, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shultz
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN.
authors.forename: Roxanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beckham
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006761:Hospitals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods*; D009936:Organizational Innovation / Q000191:economics*; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Informatics; innovation; management; professional issue; quality