Case Study
Using the case study provided, you will prepare and deliver an analysis that will be divided into four stages. Each stage is to be completed and submitted according to the course schedule. The stages build upon each other and consist of the following assignments:
Stage 1 - Process Analysis
Using the case provided, you will develop two process models. You will analyze one of the processes related to the health care organization in the case study, breaking it down into sequential steps and modeling it (the as-is process). Then, model the improved process, as it would exist after a technology solution is implemented (the to-be process). You may use Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint for you models. You should have the process you select approved by your faculty member, as directed in class, prior to beginning work on your models
Case Study, Stage 1: Process Analysis
Before you begin this assignment, be sure you have read the "UMUCFamily Clinic Case Study" and your Week 1 and Week 2 syllabus readings, which discuss EHR functionality and Process Workflow Analysis and Mapping.You will need to refer to three of the HealthIT.gov documents available in Content>Course Resources: Overview of Steps to Implement an EHR System, Step 1, and Step 2. In addition, you should obtain concurrence from your faculty member that you have selected an appropriate process(see below).
Purpose of this Assignment
This assignment gives you the opportunity to apply your analysis skills to model a business process in an ambulatory setting in the healthcare industry. Modeling the process as it exists (and as it will exist) will aid in the analysis, selection and implementation of the EHR system for the medical practice. This assignment leads to the Stage 2 assignment which will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge of technology solutions and EHR systems to improve the business process you select here. In this assignment, you will identify a process (workflow) in need of improvement, and plan for a revised and optimized workflow to improve the quality of care, safety, and financial management incentives. You will develop 2 process maps (AS IS and TO BE) for the clinical process workflow. This assignment addresses the following course outcome to enable you to:
• Evaluate the organizational environment in the health care industry to recognize how technology solutions enable strategic outcomes.
• Analyze the flow of data and information among disparate health information systems to support internal and external business
processes.
Family Clinic Medical Practice
In order to apply technology to a process, the process must be thoroughly understood and models are used for this purpose. The model also supports business process analysis and redesign when the process is deemed to be inefficient or ineffective. In addition, models are used to design the "to-be" process that describes the desired end state after the technology solution is developed.
In the Step 1 document, under "Assess Your Current Practice," you will see the following questions to be answered:
• Are administrative processes organized, efficient, and well documented?
• Are clinical workflows efficient, clearly mapped out, and understood by all staff?
• Are data collection and reporting processes well established and documented?
In the Step 2 document, read the section "Clarify and Prioritize" and the first two steps under "Steps in the Planning Process." These sections demonstrate how process review, mapping and improvement fit with the selection of an EHR System, and are the standard starting point for EHR implementation.
For your Stage 1 Project for the Case Study, you will select a process used at the UMUC Family Clinic that needs to be improved. Then, you will create a model of acurrent processthat defines in detail the steps in the process as they are done today.to aid in the analysis of the problem. Then,you will create a modelof the proposed new process,as it will be performed after an EHR system (IT solution) is implemented. To ensure you select a process that will be related to an EHR system implementation, refer to the "Certification Criteria" in Content>Course Resources, particularly sections a and b.
Be sure to read the instructions for the remaining projects in this Case Study (Stages 2-4) to get an understanding of the future projects that build on the proposed solution and to help you in deciding upon your process.