Nursing informatics free essay sample

The quality of patient care can be increased when utilizing a computerized management system. These systems facilitate coordination among multiple providers and healthcare institutes by providing easy and quick access to clients’ information. Patient’s data is placed together which can be monitored more efficiently instead of waiting to receive information by mail or fax (labs, referrals, orders from doctors, radiology results, etc). According to the American Medical Association 30 percent of all patient visits are completed without access to the patient chart 30 percent of all patient visits are completed without access to the patients chart. With computerized records, both physicians and practice staff can access patients medical records instantly, increasing efficiency and improving quality of care. By reducing the amount of time spent on paperwork and improving work flow, computerized patient records enable physicians to see more patients for longer periods of time (Ross, 2005). Thus making the patient feel better cared for and improving patient retention rates. We will write a custom essay sample on Nursing informatics or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Access to real-time information also is an benefit of these systems (Thede 2003). Improved access to patient progress notes and medication information can help telephone staff provide better service to patients. Staff members no longer need to interrupt their phone calls with patients to search for paper charts. Online records also eliminate the risk of misplaced or lost files (Ross, 2005). Active nursing involvement is essential in the planning, choice, and implementation of computerized management system because nurses will be the main user, the system needs to be user friendly, the format of the system needs to make sense to the clinician, and the system needs to compliment nurses workflow. Handheld devices can be integrated into management systems for better quality of care when used as a resource tool for nurses. Handheld devices such as personal digital assistants are helpful tools that nurses can use to  look up medication information without having to return to the nurses’ station. Also, application such as clocks and timers can be used as a reminder for medication or treatments and other activities. In addition, handheld P. D. A. devices can be used when giving reports which information would be permanently documented versus paper reported in which some important information is omitted when giving oral shift reports. Security features are available with computerized computer systems and handheld devices. Passwords and codes are required to utilize these devices. The standards for electronic transmission of health data enables information to be exchanged electronically (Noffsinger Chin,2000). To safeguard the privacy and security of these devices, they are mandated. Each health plan, healthcare clearing house, and healthcare provider who maintains or transmits information maintains reasonable and appropriate administrative technical and physical safeguards to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the information (Perlin, 2010). Security standards for all systems and devices are common. For example, 1) lock out screen / automatic account timeout are activated after excess time. 2) Database services must be firewalled. 3) All data or computer devices must be erased before the devices is transferred. 4) Audits are performed continually to track authorized users who abuse the healthcare information that is stored in the system. HIPPA was established for security standards and safeguards for the electronic transmission of health information. According to the HIPPA law, which requires that healthcare providers have a continuity plan in place and that they routinely test the backup equipment to make sure it works to protect information. Data storage integrity is needed to guarantee that data sent from one end of a transaction arrives unaffected at the other end. Backup is a safeguard to retrieve lost data. Backups are needed to make copies of data so that additional copies can be used to restore original data in a data lost occurrence (Ross, 2005). Healthcare cost reduction can be achieved through utilizing computerized management systems by the reduction of medical error and decision support capabilities that improve resources and length of hospital stay for patients. Outcomes can also be tracked so the best practice can be followed to improve patient care. Decreased paper expenses, medical record staff, and transcription cost can in addition reduce healthcare cost. Benefits of utilization of computerized management systems are as followed: 1) Prescriptions are easily read to reduce errors 2) Alerts doctor, concerning medication or dosage, if inappropriate 3) Prompts doctor to select generic and formulary medication over high priced name brand and non formulary drugs. 4) Improves communication between physician and pharmacy (Ross, 2005). Asses to patient past medical information and recent test and prescription help assist doctors in making best clinical decision. Computerized management systems give guidance for orders, alerts, and access to patient’s specific clinic information, and helps doctors to make better clinical decision that leads to improving patient safety by decreasing errors and efficiency resource usage (Perlin, 2010). I recommend the Health Connect Electronic Health Records Systems because it allows management of medical information and it secures exchange between healthcare consumers and providers. This system improves healthcare quality prevent medical error, reduces unnecessary healthcare cost, increases administration efficiency and decreases paperwork. This system is user friendly, make sense to the clinicians, and it compliment the workflow of this hospital.