Training activity information
Details
Draft a business case for a decision support tool to replace an existing method
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Decision support tool benefits
- Cost of implementation vs alternatives
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What key components are typically required related to developing business cases for technology adoption in healthcare? What prior knowledge of decision support tools, cost-benefit analysis, regulation, and business case structure do you need before starting this draft?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain about the process of justifying the adoption of a new technology in a healthcare setting? What is your current understanding of the factors that influence technology adoption in healthcare and the elements of a compelling business case?
- Have you discussed with your training officer the specific existing method you will aim to replace and the scope of the decision support tool you will propose? What challenges might you encounter in identifying the necessary information for a business case, such as costs, benefits, and implementation considerations? How will you prepare for these? How do you feel about applying your understanding of technology to strategic planning and justification?
In action
- As you draft the business case, what key arguments are you focusing on to justify the replacement?
- What decisions are you making about the information to include and how to present the financial and practical benefits?
- How effectively are you building a compelling case for change?
- What challenges are you encountering in articulating the benefits and addressing potential concerns? What adjustments are you making to your arguments?
- Are certain sections of the business case (e.g., cost analysis, implementation plan) feeling more intuitive based on your understanding, while others require more detailed consideration?
- Are you considering alternative approaches to structuring your business case or highlighting the advantages of the new tool?
On action
- What were the main arguments you presented in your business case for replacing the existing method with a decision support tool? What key benefits (financial, outcomes, safety, operational) did you highlight?
- What did you learn about the process of developing a business case for healthcare technology? What factors are crucial for a compelling argument for change? Were there any aspects of building the business case (e.g., cost analysis, implementation plan) that were particularly challenging? What did you learn from addressing these? How did your understanding of the current existing method and the potential of the decision support tool influence the structure and content of your business case? Why is it important to develop a strong business case for implementing new healthcare technologies?
- What aspects of business case development would you like to learn more about? How will you approach future business case development tasks? What specific elements will you focus on? What resources or examples of successful business cases could you review to enhance your skills?
Beyond action
- Have you revisited your business case? Reflecting on your subsequent learning about decision support tools, healthcare economics, and implementation strategies, how would you strengthen your business case now?
- Have you had any other experiences that provided insights into the practicalities or challenges of implementing new technologies based on a business case? How did this compare with your initial assumptions?
- Looking back at your reflections across the module, what broader understanding of the factors that influence the adoption of new technologies in healthcare has emerged? What future learning will you pursue in this area?
- Have you discussed your business case with colleagues who have experience in procurement or business planning in healthcare? Did this provide valuable feedback or alternative perspectives?
- How has the experience of drafting this business case influenced your understanding of the strategic and financial considerations involved in implementing digital health tools?
- How has your appreciation for the broader organisational context of digital health implementation developed since this activity? How has your wider practice been informed?
- How might the skills gained from drafting this business case contribute to your future involvement in implementing new digital health solutions? What transferable skills have you developed, and what further skills do you need in areas such as financial planning or project management?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Describe the purpose and function of Decision Support Tools in healthcare. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Appraise the risk and benefits of using Decision Support Tools in clinical practice. |