Evaluation or assessment of new technology involves a process used by organizations to examine new ideas, discover and analyze potential change and impacts, create and plan viable solutions, and eventually pick and implement the new technology in practice. The purpose of the assessment is to look at the potential and real-world implications of newly installed technology in nursing practice (Unsworth et al., 2021). The evaluation process employs a variety of tactics and techniques to identify the impact of new technology on healthcare delivery systems. Parameters such as the technology’s time and cost-effectiveness are assessed across several scenarios to determine whether the technology is a success or a failure. The assessment process is distinguished by three basic methods: process-based, goal-based, and outcomes-based approaches.
The process-based method evaluates strengths and weaknesses. The goal-based approach determines if objectives have been met. The outcomes-based approach considers broader implications and frequently probes the greater good provided due to the technology deployment. The evaluation process is constantly open to input and revisions indefinitely, meaning that it’s not rigid to change. Determining the patient’s behavioral reaction to new technology, comparing their response to established outcome criteria, and assessing the extent to which their needs are met after deployment are some of the strategies used to measure the effectiveness of the new technology. It also includes evaluating the level of collaboration between patients and healthcare team members and identifying any flaws in the treatment plan in the setting.
Evaluation frameworks may aid in classifying the success or failure of new technology and aid in its further development (Greenhalgh et al., 2017). Several assessment frameworks in the literature give overviews of a wide range of elements, making evaluation a very diversified area that poses concerns about selecting the best appropriate framework or technique. Before committing to a certain evaluation method, it is necessary to examine and assess these frameworks thoroughly. It assesses strengths and weaknesses against predetermined criteria and gaps and weaknesses that emerge following the introduction of new technology.
Depending on the sophistication of the new technology, identifying the best technology to utilize might be complicated. Different technologies are compared by stakeholders depending on how well they operate or how easy they are to use. Only when proper technology speeds up or enhances current processes does it serve its intended purpose. When making the best decision, stakeholders should consider the technology’s future ramifications in practice. It entails comparing the cost of implementation with the value added by the technology to determine whether or not a technology should be deployed. Because it relies on open, honest, and evidence-based investigation before deciding on the best option, the selection process might take a long time. The stakeholders contacted throughout the selection process must agree on the technology that fulfills the majority of their demands and delivers the most value to organizational performance.
The decision-making process employs data acquired through research on numerous technologies to arrive at the most desirable option for a setting based on organizational criteria. Defining the objectives and goals of new technology and analyzing whether the goals might be fulfilled without the technology are some of the aspects reviewed in deciding the best option (Campos-Guzmán et al., 2019). To determine which techniques are the most lucrative, stakeholders may do a basic return on investment (ROI) study for each one. Other aspects to examine are expenses and vendors. Because various technologies cost differently and suppliers provide differing levels of technology, it’s critical to compare vendors for the best results.
Technology is always evolving, and staying current takes time and effort. It is critical to establish if a product’s installation would enhance patient experiences, save money, or be redundant and expensive. Before deciding on a certain technology, the entire staff should be included in the choice. It’s critical to include workers utilizing new technology in purchasing choices; staff should provide material regarding departmental workflow and existing technology limits for inference. Managers explore the intricacies of technologies and look for proven solutions within the practice to decide if a tech is fit for a context. They also examine the c