The System Development Life Cycle
HI300: Information Technology and Systems for Health Care
Discussion Topic: The System Development Life Cycle
INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to all posts; response to classmates should be thoughtful and advance the discussion, response should make and/or frequent informed references to unit material or scientific literature, follow APA style if resources are used, 75 word minimum in response per post.
CLASSMATE POST #1
I am the chief information officer for a network of nursing homes in Vermont. We are looking to implement new information systems throughout each facility in order to boost employee productivity.
Before starting anything, we must come up with a “game plan”. Without creating a plan, we do not know where the problem is and what we will have to fix. Without this information, implementing a new system will be a waste. The planning phase includes everything from identifying the problem to what it will cost. All necessary information should be identified here.
The next step is where the “How?” takes place. This is where solutions are brainstormed and decided upon. This is where the requirements for the new system will be decided upon and the best solution/system will be picked based on this.
Next, the design phase comes into play. This is when the team gets down to the nitty gritty to design the new system. All technical specifics and features will be decided here.
The development phase is when the system is actually “put together” The programmer or network engineer will follow the design and create the program.
A quality assurance professional will then use this program, run tests to identify bugs or issues, and then approve it to be implemented.
The implementation phase is when installation occurs. Ridding the facility of the old system and installing the new one is an important step that could be complicated. For a facility that runs 24/7, the installation will need to occur preferably during night hours.
The last phase includes ongoing maintenance and updates.
Some questions I’d ask myself include: Do we have the necessary resources to complete the change? Do we have the money to finance this change? What is wrong with the old system? What key components does the new system need to have? How will we train current employees?
~Deana Mattison~
CLASSMATE POST #2
My name is Kassandra I am the chief information officer for Rivers Medical Center. Our facility is in need of a new EMR system, starting these kinds of changes can be very complex. Starting a plan phase which starts with getting feedback from the staff and other companies, the way their projects are being carried out with success. The second phase would be to communicate with the IT department to see what the options are to develop the best system possible, especially to be cost effective and easier access for all the employees. A productive option would be to try different types of systems, figure out which one works the best for everyone. Having staff try the options and outweigh the best, most cost effective ways to upgrade such systems.
Another phase is the coding software, just getting the program started can be the most difficult process in the seven phases. Having even the slightest problem or glitch in this system can destroy everything, making the process start all over again. If having to start the programming over it could result in loss of time, money and investors. Having someone or another company invest, like stock holders a set back could put the company back millions. I believe making sure the IT programmers are very highly informed of what we want specifically and make sure they are dedicated to the project. This brings us to our sixth phase, deployment, this is where we show the investors and staff what we have developed hoping for no mistakes or errors. The final stage is the maintenance cycle, this is to maintain the features installed and make sure there is no margin of error.
~Kassandra Thurlow~
HI305: Management of Health Information
Discussion Topic: Professionalism in the Workplace — Externship, Volunteer, Part-Time Job
INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to all posts; response to classmates should be thoughtful and advance the discussion, response should make and/or frequent informed references to unit material or scientific literature, follow APA style if resources are used, 75 word minimum in response per post
CLASSMATE POST #3
For this week’s discussion, we are talking about professionalism. When I was in the military, professionalism was something that leadership always stressed. When leadership talked about showing professionalism, they referred to taking pride in how our uniform looked, whether we shaved for work, whether your hair is within regulations. Also, they talked about showing respect to people who held a higher rank. Professionalism is not just crucial in the military. Some of those same qualities transfer to the civilian world. Professionalism is essential in the workplace because it shows the kind of attitude you have towards your employer and how seriously you take your job (Brooks, 2019). Professionalism is paramount in the HIM field because HIM personnel contribute to patients’ quality of care (Career Trend, n.d.). There is specific behavior you should exhibit and not in the workplace. According to the module, consistently be willing to help, asking questions, and treating each opportunity as your full-time job are some actions you should be taking in the workplace. Some activities to avoid include non-adherence to the company’s ethics codes, HR policies and going against the mission statement, not admitting your mistakes, become complacent because others are.
~Chad Welsh~
CLASSMATE POST #4
To become successful in the Health Information Management field, it is essential to hold myself at a high standard of professionalism no matter what challenges are put in my path. Even though, there are always going to be external and internal factors that might make the job more difficult, I need to remain professional while completing a task because it will benefit me in my future profession. It is important for employers to feel confident in my ability to find solutions, finish assignments when asked, and to be a team player. Essentially, any job I am hired to do, I am expected to do it the best I can and to go above and beyond for the company. Therefore, showing professionalism in the workplace is the main priority to keep a good reputation for the future.
While working in my occupation, there can be instances in the work environment that make it difficult to stay professional. A big obstacle for me is dealing with impolite patients and to think through problems instead of letting negative emotions take over. I think it is vital to listen to patients respectfully and compassionately when they are upset. It will not help anyone if I become hostile and shut down in that situation. Another example is when management ask me to do a task that I do it right away and try to do it right the first time instead of making excuses and putting it off. Also, a lot of jobs look for employees that can work well with others and be a team player. I feel that it is imperative to be able to treat others with respect at work so there is no tension and to be willing to help each other get tasks done on time. Unfortunately, there can be coworkers who do not get a long and cause negativity by not wanting to cooperate or always being late. Sometimes being able to ask for help and learn to communicate effectively can improve the work environment.
