Chapter 5 - System Implementation

Question 1

system implementation

Answer 1

the process of preparing and launching the information system that has been selected for use

Question 2

user preparation

Answer 2

the act of providing users with enough information about the information system being implemented so that they are prepared both psychologically and through training to use the new information system

Question 3

setting configuration

Answer 3

The entry of the desired behaviors of the information system into tables or setting fields. For example, if the IS will keep track of the patient type, the hospital determines if patients will be classified as inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, testing, outpatient surgery, or other patient types. The healthcare organization may even be able to determine that “I” means inpatient.

Question 4

information technology

Answer 4

the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information

Question 5

interface testing

Answer 5

testing that confirms that the user interface works as it should

Question 6

integration testing

Answer 6

testing that confirms that all hardware, including computers, printers, and scanners, work together as they should

Question 7

application testing

Answer 7

testing that ensures that every function of the new information system works as it should.

Question 8

documentation testing

Answer 8

testing that ensures that all documentation (e.g. user guides, policies and procedures, and training materials) is created and that the documentation is accurate

Question 9

conversion testing

Answer 9

testing that ensures that the project team is able to transfer data from the old information system to the new one

Question 10

training testing

Answer 10

testing to ensure that the training is effective
The project team should train a group to see how well the training materials, agenda, format of training, time allotted for training, and other attributes work. Changes are made to the training process as needed before real training begins.

Question 11

volume testing

Answer 11

testing to ensure that the information system can handle a large group of people
Most of the testing performed on the application is done with a handful of people sitting at an IS trying to identify problems. Volume testing gets as many people to use the IS at one time as possible.

Question 12

parallel testing

Answer 12

testing done after the new information system is installed
In parallel testing, the healthcare organization runs the old and the new ISs simultaneously and compares the reports and data from the two information systems to validate both performance and synchronization.

Question 13

acceptance testing

Answer 13

testing done after the new information system is installed
It is a time to verify that the IS is working as expected in a live environment. It gives the healthcare organization time to confirm that the new IS meets response time, functional requirements, and other standards guaranteed in the contract.

Question 14

testing plan

Answer 14

a document that covers areas such as what is to be tested, who will be involved in the testing, dates of testing, documentation of testing results, and types of testing

Question 15

test environment

Answer 15

An exact duplicate of the information system in use, excluding the live data. In this test environment, changes can be made to the IS and then tested to see what happens.

Question 16

trouble ticket

Answer 16

a form that is used to give specific information on problems encountered

Question 17

data projector

Answer 17

a projector (output device) used to project the digital output from a computer device on to a large screen or wall

Question 18

rollout

Answer 18

the widespread public introduction of a new product

Question 19

module

Answer 19

each of a set of standardized parts or independent units that can be used to construct a more complex structure, such as an item of furniture or a building

Question 20

superuser

Answer 20

a special user account used for system administration. Depending on the operating system, the actual name of this account might be root, administrator, admin or supervisor.

Question 21

phased approach (go-live strategy)

Answer 21

In this method, the implementation starts with one module of the information system and then gradually other modules are added. A module is a subset of an IS, such as pharmacy orders in a CPOE system. All units, departments, and other entities utilize the information system, but they only use it one module at a time. For example, a hospital could start using their order entry system by ordering medications only. After the medication ordering is successful, then laboratory will be added, and so on.

Question 22

pilot method (go-live strategy)

Answer 22

A go-live strategy in which only one nursing unit, department, or other entity starts using the new information system at a time. Once consistently successful, the next group is implemented.

Question 23

big bang method (go-live strategy)

Answer 23

also called the cutover method; With this method, the healthcare organization stops using the old information system and starts using the new information system. It is the riskiest because the healthcare organization may not have the old information system as a backup and the new IS is being used all over the hospital.

Question 24

turnover

Answer 24

(1) the amount of money taken by a business in a particular period
(2) the rate at which employees leave a workforce and are replaced
(3) a small pie made by folding a piece of pastry over on itself to enclose a sweet filling
(4) a turning from one side, place, or direction to its opposite

Question 25

straight turnover

Answer 25

also called direct turnover
With straight turnover, the former information system and processes cease with the implementation of the new IS. There is a risk here if the new IS has to be aborted; however, it is more cost effective and reduces the work load significantly because there is no duplication of efforts.

Question 26

parallel processing (turnover method)

Answer 26

Parallel processing involves entering data in both the old and new information system for a specified period of time such as two weeks. This allows the users to keep the database current in both information systems. Although parallel processing works well, it is labor intensive and therefore expensive. Because the old IS is in place and current, this approach provides a safety net and has the least amount of risk involved.

Question 27

system evaluation

Answer 27

measuring the final system against its initial performance goals as well as performing ongoing testing to see that the system continues to meet those goals

Question 28

supply chain

Answer 28

a system of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying a product or service to a consumer

Question 29

distribution chain

Answer 29

a chain of businesses or intermediaries through which a good or service passes until it reaches the final buyer or the end consumer

Question 30

wholesaler

Answer 30

a person or company that sells goods in large quantities at low prices, typically to retailers

Question 31

retailer

Answer 31

a person or business that sells goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale