Intranet proposal and implementation framework

Intranet Proposal

The intent of this proposal is to illustrate through example the benefits to a healthcare organization of choosing to implement an Intranet as both a collaboration and knowledge management platform. Intranets have many advantages over using Internet-based applications, as this proposal will illustrate. Foremost in the advantages favoring an Intranet is security and the ability to tailor applications and tools that precisely align with the processes being automated. This combination of security and highly tailored development are fostering high growth of Intranets globally.

Elements of an Effective Intranet

Each of the following elements are critical for the development of an effective Intranet:

Content and Knowledge Management Applications. These are essential for developing a high level of collaboration between departments in an organization, including the sharing of test results, clinical practice guidelines, and knowledge management systems for tracking disease analysis and potential treatment plans. As Ong KR, Polkowski M, McLemore G, Greaker M, Murray M; (2001) have commented in their case study, Intranets make it possible to gain much higher levels of collaborative authoring and information sharing.

Scheduling and Time Management Applications. Another critical aspect of any successful Intranet implementation is the ability to quickly schedule tasks, processes, and shared resources across the many members of a healthcare organization. Many Intranets today are running Microsoft Outlook for example to manage the scheduling of both key equipment, rooms and the support staff.

Integrating diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care databases and content management systems. The ability to provide a 360 degree view of the patient is very important for their continued care and recovery. Intranets can serve as the foundation for unifying all these different databases.

Change management is more effectively achieved with Intranets precisely aligned to the major requirements of organizational users. As Ong KR, Polkowski M, McLemore G, Greaker M, Murray M; (2001) discuss, the need for changing how people do their jobs permanently is called change management. One of the major advantages of an Intranet is the ability to more precisely align applications and tools to the unmet needs of those using the Intranet to complete their daily jobs. Change management is much easier with Intranet applications aligned to the specific needs of users.

Conclusion