Assessing the Impact of Technology Integration on Workflow Efficiency in Nursing Practice
Posted: Jun 19, 2023
Abstract
This research presents a novel methodological framework for evaluating technology integration in nursing workflows through the lens of complex adaptive systems theory. Unlike traditional efficiency metrics that focus primarily on time-motion studies, our approach incorporates multidimensional assessment of cognitive load, decision-making autonomy, and emotional labor alongside conventional efficiency measures. We developed and validated the Nursing Technology Integration Matrix (NTIM), which captures both quantitative workflow metrics and qualitative experiential dimensions through a mixed-methods approach combining sensor-based activity tracking with phenomenological interviews. Our longitudinal study across three healthcare institutions revealed that technology integration follows a non-linear adaptation curve characterized by initial efficiency losses followed by sustained gains, challenging the prevailing assumption of immediate productivity improvements. The findings demonstrate that the most significant efficiency gains occur not through automation of routine tasks, but through enhanced information accessibility and reduced cognitive switching costs. This research contributes a new theoretical model for understanding technology adoption in healthcare contexts and provides practical tools for healthcare administrators to optimize technology implementation strategies while preserving the human-centered aspects of nursing care.
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