The term “triple constraints” refers to three universal restrictions that affect project management across virtually all fields, disciplines, and business sectors. These constraints are scope, time, and cost (or resources). In health care organizations, these constraints are especially relevant given the complex, interconnected nature of workflows; the urgent matter of improving care and outcomes; and the unfortunate realities of tight budgets and limited staffing. In addition, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and its meaningful use objectives have added even more requirements to projects undertaken in the health care field.
This Discussion focuses on project management in health care organizations. You explore how the requirements for meaningful use have complicated the implementation and conversion to a new informatics project. You also consider strategies for addressing and overcoming these challenges.
To prepare
- Review this week’s Learning Resources on triple constraints and project management. Consider how each of the three constraints relate to the implementation of workflow changes, technology innovations, and system upgrades in health care settings.
- Reflect on the article, “EHR/EMR: ‘Meaningful Use,’ Stimulus Money, and the Serenity Prayer” in the Learning Resources, and consider its relevance to meaningful use objectives and the challenges they pose for the health care field. Also consider your experiences with meaningful use compliance in your health care setting. How does meaningful use contribute to additional stress for organizations?
- Consider strategies and recommendations for organizations and nurse informaticists in accommodating meaningful use and triple constraints.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by tomorrow 11/08/16 a minimum of 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references from the list below, addressing the level one headings as numbered below:
1) An explanation of how each of the triple constraints (scope, time, and cost) relate to project management in health care settings.
2) Describe how meaningful use adds additional complexity to project management planning.
3) Propose at least one specific strategy that could be used to address meaningful use and triple constraints.
