Workflow analysis aims to determine workflow patterns that maximize the effective use of resources and minimize activities that do not add value. There are a variety of tools that can be used to analyze the workflow of processes and clarify potential avenues for eliminating waste. Flowcharts are a basic and commonly used workflow analysis method that can help highlight areas in need of streamlining.

In this Assignment, you select a common event that occurs regularly in your organization and create a flowchart representing the workflow. You analyze the process you have diagrammed and propose changes for improvement.

To prepare:

• Identify a common, simple event that frequently occurs in your organization that you would like to evaluate.
• Consider how you would design a flowchart to represent the current workflow.
• Consider what metrics you would use to determine the effectiveness of the current workflow and identify areas of waste.

To complete:

Write a 3- to 5-page paper which includes the following:

• Create a simple flowchart of the activity you selected. (Review the Sample Workflow of Answering a Telephone in an Office document found in this week’s Learning Resources for an example.)
• Next, in your paper:
  • Explain the process you have diagrammed.
  • For each step or decision point in the process, identify the following:
    • Who does this step? (It can be several people.)
    • What technology is used?
    • What policies and rules are involved in determining how, when, why, or where the step is executed?
    • What information is needed for the execution of this step?
  • Describe the metric that is currently used to measure the soundness of the workflow. Is it effective?
  • Describe any areas where improvements could occur and propose changes that could bring about these improvements in the workflow.
  • Summarize why it is important to be aware of the flow of an activity.
• Remember to include a cover page, introduction, and summary for your paper.

Course Readings

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2015). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

• Chapter 14, “Nursing Informatics: Improving Workflow and Meaningful Use”

Huser, V., Rasmussen, L. V., Oberg, R., & Starren, J. B. (2011). Implementation of workflow engine technology to deliver basic clinical decision support functionality. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 11(1), 43–61.

Koppel, R., & Kreda, D. A. (2010). Healthcare IT usability and suitability for clinical needs: Challenges of design, workflow, and contractual relations. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 157, 7–14.