NAVIGATING COMPUTING DEVICE REQUIREMENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND GUIDE FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATORS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The transition from paper-based to electronic-based processes is an ongoing issue in all health systems with varying levels of maturity and progress throughout the world. Hospitals are increasingly transitioning to digital medical records and paperless workflows. As medical administrators tackle the challenge of ensuring computer systems and hardware meet the needs of the staff hospital environment, it is essential to adopt a systematic and well -informed approach to allocate different wards with computing devices based on staffing numbers, patient occupancy, and patient flow requirements. GOAL: To review existing literature and develop a framework for determining the necessary computing resources for a hospital ward to operate effectively. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA process and relevant publications were identified, covering data from 1946 to January 2022. Only articles in English were included, and any articles relating to software development and digital medical records were excluded. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Qualitative Research. A search of grey liter ature was also conducted due to the paucity of search results, for a total of 14 included studies. Additionally, we mapped the workflow in clinical wards. Drawing insights from a multivariate analysis based on this mapping and literature review, we formulated and validated a framework for hospitals to strategically plan computer usage and optimise ward workflows. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We propose a framework based on the number and skills of a mix of staff, patient turnover and the extent of computerised tasks. Whilst individual hospitals will differ in computing and technology utilisation, our proposed framework can be adapted to suit unique needs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A similar framework can be used to implement computers across various health services. It can also be adapted for sporting organisations, where multiple health professionals need computers to manage athletes' health and performance.