Faculty Doing More with Less: A Technology Initiative Realized Through a Structured Process.

Abstract

Introduction: Many barriers exist when implementing new educational technologies. Some institutions without specialty support staff or offices may struggle with the necessary steps. In a climate that increasingly asks faculty to do more with less, empowering faculty-driven processes may prove important. Innovation: When the need for an academic electronic health record (EHR) was identified, a faculty champion followed a structured approach to research available options, garner faculty interest, bring forth a proposal to the administration, implement the academic EHR technology, and perform continuous quality improvement thereby paving the pathway for future faculty-led initiatives. Findings: A single faculty member followed a structured approach that could be carried out by others to bring meaningful academic technology to multiple programs. This process was subsequently successfully used by another faculty member and the technology implemented was well-received by administration, faculty, and students. Conclusion: Despite few resources to support or compel technological adaptation or change, faculty can follow steps to introduce these projects and moreover, spark a cultural shift and momentum to embolden faculty to follow a process to bring forth change or initiatives in the future.