Nursing Informatics Worksheet

assessment tools Epic provides a nursing flowsheet built into the shift assessment for nurses to chart on any skin issues of the patient. Not only is it standard but it is also required for the nurse to chart every two hours on the prevention or repositioning of the patient. QI data has shown that repositioning and turning the patient every two hours will prevent HAPUs. Collecting this measurable data through Epic has helped improve health care services to prevent further HAPUs from happening. On the unit, HAPUs have significantly decreased from last year by enforcing the nurses to proactively prevent skin breakdown by continuing to use of tools and following skin protocols. The results and statistics from the QI data collected over the
One of the essential features in Epic that is designed to protect patient privacy is the Transport Layer Security (TLS) technology and encryption. Through Epic you have the option to send or email encrypted messages or information that contain sensitive patient health information to another staff member. Other features include, employees having their own unique user name and password with a personal identification card to access patient’s health information on the computer. Epic only allows the employee to input their password three times and if incorrect, it will automatically lock out. Along with computer windows that are kept open it will lock down and close after five minutes of inactivity. On my unit, we also use tinted and restricted screen protectors to limit computer monitor visibility to protect health information. The layout of our unit consists of the nurse’s station centered in the middle with that patient’s rooms encircled and since people walk around the unit at any given time, it is particularly important to have all these safeguards to protect patient’s health
The human resource department at Kaiser uses Epic’s workforce management system to help collect data and hire better employees. Hiring employees who are notably motivated, intelligent, and dedicated will improve efficiency and productivity within the hospital. Hard working efficient nurses and staff will lessen staffing needs and can reduce overtime which will save money in the long run. Hence, the Epic system can track goals that are being met and if not then management will be notified, and will then provide extra training or cross training to increase productivity. Additionally, capital resources play a role in developing efficiency and productivity in the workplace with tools, equipment, inventory, and system implementation. For example, choosing the right equipment is pivotal in a large hospital like Kaiser due to the high quantity of supplies that are needed. Choosing the right equipment such as, computers, blood pressure machines, and pharmacy medication dispensers are very costly but in the big picture will improve efficiency and productivity. Obviously, Epic’s system implementation and software has been the greatest resource for Kaiser, saving millions of dollars throughout the years with their technology, continually improving and upgrading their system to be current and competitive. Over decades, Epic’s computer system