Question

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“In my experience consulting, I have seen several examples of organizations that incorporate the printing of paper reports, which replicate information that has been entered and is available with the electronic patient record. These reports are often reviewed, signed, and acted on instead of the electronic information. Despite the knowledge that the information contained in these reports was outdated the moment the report was printed and the very nature of using the report for workflow is an inefficient practice, this method of clinical workflow is prevalent in many hospitals across the United States. There is an underlying fear that drives the decision to mold a paper-based workflow around clinical technology. There is also a lack of the appropriate amount of integration that would otherwise allow this information to be available in an electronic form.

How does workflow analysis help practicing nurses?

Can we mold paper-based workflows into clinical information systems? Explain your answer.

Imagine that you are the INS charged with implementing the use of electronic records. What strategies could you use to promote a seamless transition?

Answer 1

1. Workflow analysis - nursing workflow analysis is walking back and forth to a nursing station , medication administration, etc , this kind of workflow provides less time for the nurse to spend in the care of patients. It does not improve nursing productivity nor the patient care.

Hence, we have to use a technology which is mobile and friendly like mobile computing and medication administration system which will simplfy nursing workflow and lead to efficient use of information technology including electronic health record and electronic medication administration record.

This will help in efficient use of time ,less medication errors ,zero delays in medication and increase time to patient care and patient receives quality care .

2. Yes , we can mold paper -based workflow into clinical information systems . In the present world ,many researches are being conducted and some of them are finished related to use of technology in patient care and it states that for the provision of quality care technology places an important role as it makes the task more smoother than the paper system ,less time is needed , errors are less ,no delay in care and efficient use of time .

It provides increased amount of time for the nurse to provide patient care and ultimately results in quality care and health improvement. So, by transforming into technology based system from paper based system will help the health care professional to provide better services.

To transform into a electronic based system we have to utilise the information technology in our health care sector . Now , e-hospitals are available which has different modules and makes it thousand times easier than the paper based work and good utilisation of time.

3. Strategies to promote the transition from paper based to electronic based work flow:-

- encouraging half of the staff to utilise the new system and compare the benefits with the staff who are using the already existing methods.

- making the staffs recognise about the advantages of using technology in patients care.

- not forcing the use of technology on the staffs until they are ready to use it .

- providing training on how to use e-hospital ,and different modules.

- providing a simple ,mobile electronic record system which is easy to use.

- ensuring quality care to the patient .

- quality utility of time .