Nursing Informatics
Nursing Informatics
NUT1 - 724.4.3-01-08
Increase in Quality of Care
Using computerized electronic medical records management systems will provide nurses and patients with increased quality of care. Because electronic medical records are quantifiable, data from existing and previous patients sharing the same medical condition and/or characteristics can be researched to determine the best care plan and outcomes for the patient, such as what methods of care were practiced, which medications worked, which therapies were most effective, etc. This enhances not only provides better quality of care to the patient, but also enhances evidence based practice (Thede & Sewell, 2010).
Another benefit of using an electronic medical record management system is that all patient information is accessible from multiple locations, and by multiple members of the care team at the same time. Prior to availability of computerized records, patient data was only available in paper hard copy, typically kept in one paper chart, which made it impossible for each member of the care team to access needed data in a timely manner. Access to an overview of the patient’s current state prior to face to face meeting with the patient allows the practitioner more time to implement and treat and less time reviewing the case in the patient’s presence. With the ability to view electronic records prior to visits and assessment from each member of the health care team, more efficient planning and implementation of interventions for the patient are achievable, leading to quality care (Thede & Sewell, 2010).
Active Nursing Involvement
Active nursing involvement in the planning, choice, and implementation of an electronic medical record system is key to its success within an organization. Nurses participate in initial testing and development of the system, and through that testing, can determine the system that best meets the needs of the nursing role and responsibilities. Nurses are
NUT1 - 724.4.3-01-08
Increase in Quality of Care
Using computerized electronic medical records management systems will provide nurses and patients with increased quality of care. Because electronic medical records are quantifiable, data from existing and previous patients sharing the same medical condition and/or characteristics can be researched to determine the best care plan and outcomes for the patient, such as what methods of care were practiced, which medications worked, which therapies were most effective, etc. This enhances not only provides better quality of care to the patient, but also enhances evidence based practice (Thede & Sewell, 2010).
Another benefit of using an electronic medical record management system is that all patient information is accessible from multiple locations, and by multiple members of the care team at the same time. Prior to availability of computerized records, patient data was only available in paper hard copy, typically kept in one paper chart, which made it impossible for each member of the care team to access needed data in a timely manner. Access to an overview of the patient’s current state prior to face to face meeting with the patient allows the practitioner more time to implement and treat and less time reviewing the case in the patient’s presence. With the ability to view electronic records prior to visits and assessment from each member of the health care team, more efficient planning and implementation of interventions for the patient are achievable, leading to quality care (Thede & Sewell, 2010).
Active Nursing Involvement
Active nursing involvement in the planning, choice, and implementation of an electronic medical record system is key to its success within an organization. Nurses participate in initial testing and development of the system, and through that testing, can determine the system that best meets the needs of the nursing role and responsibilities. Nurses are
References: Eric, P. G., Keohane, C. A., Bane, A., Dervan, A., Woolf, S., Hayes, J., & Ghandi, T. K. (2008, December). Impact of Barcode Medication Administration Technology and How Nurses Spend Their Time Providing Patient Care. Journal of Nursing Administration, 38(12), 541-549. doi:10.1097/NNA.0b013e31818ebf1c Hardwick, M. E., Pulido, P. A., & Adelson, W. S. (2007, August). The Use of Handheld Technology in Nursing Research and Practice. Orthopaedic Nursing, 26(4), 251-255. McIntire, S., & Clark, T. (2009). Essential Steps in Super User Education for Ambulatory Clinic Nurses. Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, 337-343. Retrieved from http://www.suna.org/education/2011/article29337342.pdf Patterson, E. S., Cook, R. I., & Render, M. L. (2002, April 16). Improving Patient Safety by Identifying Side Effects from Introducing Bar Coding in Medication Administration. Journal of American Medical Inromatics Association, 9, 540-553. doi:10.1197/jamia.M1061 Smith, MD, P. D. (2003, May). Implementing an EMR System: One Clinic’s Experience. Family Practice Management, 10(5), 37-42. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2003/0500/p37.html Thede, L. Q., & Sewell, J. P. (2010). Informatics and Nursing Competencies and Applications (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Wang, MD, S. J., Middleton, B., Prosser, L. A., Bardon, C. G., Spurr, C. D., Carchidi, P. J.,...Bates, D. W. (2003, April 1). A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Electronic Medical Records in Primary Care. The American Journal of Medicine, 114(), . doi:Retrieved from Wu, R. C., & Straus, S. E. (2006). June 20. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making. doi:10.1186/1472-6947-6-26