The Informatics Domain and Clinical Workflow Management

Summary

In this presentation, Dirk Stanley explores the operations pyramid essential for developing predictable workflows and projects within the informatics domain. He emphasizes the importance of mission and vision at the pyramid's peak, supported by organizational frameworks and leadership collaboration across various departments. By dissecting workflow deliverables inside and outside the electronic medical record, Stanley highlights the necessity of an integrated governance model for effective informatics management. This comprehensive approach ensures that all elements work together to achieve operational goals and improve clinical outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The operations pyramid is essential for building predictable workflows, with mission and vision at the top and organizational support at the bottom.
• 😀 Senior leadership plays a crucial role in defining the mission and vision, which guides the organization's goals and targets.
• 😀 The informatics domain is focused on steps 3 to 7 of the operations pyramid, which include creating standards and workflows that align with the organization’s mission.
• 😀 Understanding fundamental concepts (ontology) is vital for effective organizational function and workflow development.
• 😀 Deliverables that shape workflows are categorized into those inside and outside the electronic medical record (EMR).
• 😀 Conflicts may arise if stakeholders view informatics as solely responsible for EMR issues, neglecting the broader scope of workflow development.
• 😀 Effective workflow management requires collaboration across departments, including quality, nursing, IT, HR, and finance.
• 😀 A new governance model is necessary to integrate informatics leadership with other departments for improved workflow success.
• 😀 The growth of technology leads to an increasing number of deliverables that impact workflow, necessitating continuous adaptation.
• 😀 The success of workflows is dependent on the collective effort of various department leaders to meet operational goals and vision.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the presentation?

The presentation focuses on the informatics domain and workflow management, aiming to describe the operations pyramid, the informatics domain itself, and its importance in developing workflows in the electronic realm.

What does the operations pyramid represent?

The operations pyramid illustrates how predictable workflows and projects are built and directed, highlighting the relationship between the organization's mission and vision at the top and organizational support at the bottom.

Who is primarily responsible for defining the mission and vision within an organization?

Typically, senior leadership is responsible for defining the mission and vision, which are essential for aligning operations with successful outcomes.

What are the key steps in the operations pyramid?

The key steps in the operations pyramid include concepts (ontology), definitions, standards, templates, working documents, tools, and clinical workflows that support the organization's mission and vision.

How does informatics relate to the operations pyramid?

Informatics focuses on creating predictable outcomes by managing the steps between concepts and clinical workflows, particularly concerning deliverables that impact workflow.

What challenges do organizations face regarding informatics and workflow management?

Organizations may face challenges in developing a successful informatics framework due to misunderstandings about the scope of informatics, especially concerning deliverables both inside and outside the electronic medical record (EMR).

How are workflow deliverables categorized?

Workflow deliverables are categorized into those found inside the EMR, those outside the EMR, and those that span both categories, impacting workflow together.

What is suggested to enhance collaboration among different departments?

The presentation suggests developing a newer governance model that integrates informatics leadership with the leadership of departments like quality, nursing, IT, Human Resources, and finance to manage deliverables collaboratively.

Why is it important to distinguish informatics from IT support?

It is important to distinguish informatics from IT support because workflow success relies on a broader integration of leadership across various departments, not just on managing EMR-related issues.

What is the ultimate goal of the workflows mentioned in the presentation?

The ultimate goal of the workflows is to support the operational goals and vision of the organization, ensuring that they are smooth, predictable, reliable, and non-disruptive.