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Preparing Nurses for the Implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Using Five Qualities Outlined by Rogers (2003)

Nurses have a significant impact on the failure or success of the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). As such, it is vital for nurses to comprehend their role as agents of change and how they can influence other individuals when addressing the challenges associated with changing to a considerably different manner of performing things. Everett Rogers, who happens to be a pioneer within the area of diffusion of innovations, established five qualities that govern individual attitudes towards the adoption of novel technology (2003). According to Rogers (2003), individuals are often concerned with the aspects of relative advantage, compatibility with the existing practices and values, simplicity, trialability, and observable results when it comes to the adoption of novel technologies. This paper explains how I can employ the five qualities identified by Rogers (2003) in preparing nurses for the looming implementation, as a nurse facilitator within a small hospital in upstate New York.

The aspect of relative advantage holds that the person adopting the novel innovation must perceive how it will be a progress from the old way of executing things. In relation to this quality, I will inform the nurses about the benefits associated with the adoption of EHR over paper-based system of keeping health information. I will explain to the nurses the various ways by which EHR assists providers to manage patient care in a better way and offer better health care.  The advantages of EHR that will be mentioned to the nurses are provision of precise, up-to-date, and adequate information concerning patients, facilitation of quick access to patient information or records for more coordinated and efficient care, and secure sharing of patients’ and clinicians’ electronic information. Other benefits that will be mentioned to the nurses are facilitation of safer and dependable prescribing, improvement of provider and patient communication and interaction, facilitation of effective diagnosis of patients and reduction of medical errors, promotion of complete and legible documentation, reduction of costs, and improvement of work-life balance and productivity. By illustrating the benefits of EHR to the nurses, I shall have employed the empirical-rational approach in addressing resistance. This strategy is founded on the premise that nurses are rational individuals and often act according to rational self-interest (Salam & Alghamdi, 2016). Nurses are often willing to embrace a change when it is justified and its advantages explained. I will also employ measures such as proper delivery or communication of information and proffering of incentives in addressing resistance.

Compatibility with the existing practices and values is also a significant consideration for persons adopting novel technologies. In relation to this aspect, I will enable nurses to comprehend how the EHR aligns with present practices in the hospital. For example, I will inform the nurses how the technology aligns with the current practices aimed at ensuring patient safety and improving quality of care such as use of alert systems, checklists, and predictive tools. In addition, I will explain to the nurses how the innovation aligns with the hospital’s embedded clinical guidelines aimed at promoting standardized, evidence-based practices. 

When it comes to the aspect of simplicity, Rogers (2003) asserts that the adopter must be convinced that she or he can easily master the novel technology. The magnitude of resistance experienced towards the adoption of a novel technology is commensurate the individual’s perceived complexity of the use of the system. Therefore, I will explain to the nurses that mastering the EHR will be easy, as it will be implemented in a manner that ensures ease of use for all nurses. Moreover, I will inform the nurses that their abilities to use the system will be enhanced by providing an EHR training program. Such an undertaking will contribute largely to eliminating resistance that can arise from the fear of the complexity of using the EHR.

Rogers (2003) also emphasizes the significance of the aspect of trialability when it comes to the adoption of novel innovations. The author argues that the adopter should be permitted to play around with the novel technology and examine its potentials. As such, I will inform nurses that they will be allowed to test the EHR after its implementation and after being trained on its use. I will also inform them that they will be allowed to present their opinions on the ease of use of the technology and changes that should be made to the innovations to make it simpler to use, enhance its effectiveness and ability to provide good user experience. Moreover, I will inform the nurses that their views concerning the changes to be made to the technology to enhance its simplicity and effectiveness, and provide a good user experience will be taken into consideration.

Observable results is also among the five qualities suggested by Rogers (2003).  In relation to this aspect, Roger (2003) argues that the adopted should have proof that the recommended innovation has been a success in other situations. To convince the nurses about the success of the EHR adoption in hospitals, I will highlight cases of hospitals that have been successful after adopting the EHR. I will also play a short video of testimonials from patients and care providers who have witnessed the success or effectiveness of EHR. If need be, I will have to present a witnesses, who can be a patient and a provider that has witnessed the success of the EHR. These measures will ensure that the nurses are convinced about the success of the technology.

As change agents, nurses play the role of modeling, guiding, and facilitating the adoption of novel practices in hospital or healthcare settings. The role of nurses as change agent is inspired by the fact that nurses serve as intermediaries for processes and people. Therefore, in the absence of nurses the realization of change in healthcare settings or hospitals can be an elusive undertaking. Rogers (2003) offers a suitable model that nurses can employ in advancing their role as change agents.

In conclusion, nurses possess a significant influence on others when it comes to the adoption of EHR. By employing the five qualities identified by Rogers (2003), I will effectively prepare nurses to the upcoming implementation of the EHR in the hospital.