Category: NURS-FPX8012

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 5 Quality Improvement Project Plan Name Capella university NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems Prof. Name Date Quality Improvement Project Plan Using Informatics/Technology The rapid advancement of technology in healthcare has underscored the need for robust, efficient, and comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. As healthcare organizations strive to improve patient outcomes, enhance data management, and streamline clinical workflows, the adoption of EHR systems has become increasingly vital. This quality improvement project is focused on the implementation of an EHR system at the Mayo Clinic, a globally recognized leader in medical care. The initiative is driven by the need to address current inefficiencies, enhance patient safety, and align with industry best practices (Adeniyi et al., 2024). Through this project, the Mayo Clinic aims to leverage cutting-edge informatics and technology to transform its clinical practice, ensuring that both healthcare providers and patients benefit from more accurate, accessible, and integrated health information. Problem The Mayo Clinic is facing challenges in delivering immediate and comprehensive coordinated care across its healthcare facilities due to the lack of a unified Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. The current reliance on fragmented documentation methods, including paper records and disparate electronic systems, hinders the efficiency of patient care, particularly in acute care settings where timely access to accurate patient information is crucial. This inefficiency results in prolonged waiting times for patients requiring urgent attention, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and an overall reduction in the quality of care provided (Gandrup et al., 2020). The complexity of managing patient information in such a disjointed system increases the risk of medical errors, redundancies, and communication breakdowns, all of which can negatively impact patient outcomes and the Clinic’s reputation for excellence in healthcare. Stakeholders at the Mayo Clinic are deeply concerned about this issue, as the inability to provide timely and coordinated care threatens patient safety and diminishes trust in the Clinic’s services. Key stakeholders include the executive leadership, which is responsible for maintaining the Clinic’s standing as a leading healthcare institution; clinical departments and medical staff, whose ability to deliver high-quality care is directly affected by inefficient workflows; and the IT department, which is tasked with implementing solutions to streamline processes and improve data accessibility (Schmidt, 2020). Patients are directly impacted by these challenges, facing longer wait times and potential delays in receiving critical care. Addressing these issues is essential not only to enhance patient outcomes but also to uphold the Mayo Clinic’s commitment to delivering superior, patient-centered care. Data to Support the Problem and Trigger a Need for Change in Practice Mayo Clinic’s performance is highlighted by its A grade from the Leapfrog Group, reflecting strong safety measures with an average nurse-to-patient care time of 9.15 hours and a high error prevention score of 115.50 out of 120.00. The clinic’s medication reconciliation rate of 0.110 further demonstrates its commitment to accurate medication management (Schauer, 2023). Complementing this, Medicare Compare data shows Mayo Clinic’s 5-star rating with superior metrics, including a mortality rate of 4 out of 7 and a readmission rate of 6 out of 11, both better than national averages (Mueller et al., 2020). Despite these strong performance indicators, the implementation of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is necessary to enhance information management, address potential inefficiencies, and further improve patient care and coordination. Proposed Solution Implementing an upgraded Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at Mayo Clinic is essential for addressing existing challenges in care delivery and enhancing patient outcomes. This proposal details the incorporation of advanced technologies and informatics to tackle these issues effectively. Technologies/Informatics Cyber Security Tools The upgraded EHR system will incorporate advanced cybersecurity features to protect patient information. This will involve multifactor authentication, which requires multiple forms of verification to access sensitive data, enhancing security. Encryption will safeguard patient data by making it unreadable to unauthorized individuals during storage and transmission (Nowrozy et al., 2024). Secure access protocols will regulate who can view or alter patient records, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and enhancing data reliability. These measures are essential for preventing unauthorized access and maintaining patient confidentiality. Speech Recognition System The new EHR system will include Speech Recognition (SR) technology to facilitate real-time voice-to-text documentation. This feature will allow healthcare providers to record patient information verbally, significantly reducing the time spent on manual data entry. By minimizing the need for typing, SR will enable medical staff to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks, thereby improving overall efficiency and accuracy in documenting patient information (Avendano et al., 2022). User-Friendly Interface A vital aspect of the enhanced EHR system will be a user-friendly interface designed for ease of use by both staff and patients. This intuitive design will make interactions with the system smoother, reduce the learning curve, and minimize errors. The interface will be streamlined to simplify complex tasks and workflows, reducing cognitive strain on users (Gandrup et al., 2020). This will lead to improved workflow efficiency, greater data accuracy, and an enhanced overall user experience. Optimized Alert System The new EHR system will feature an optimized alert system that supports clinical decision-making and enhances patient safety. This system will provide real-time alerts for critical information, such as medication interactions, allergy warnings, and abnormal lab results (Aguirre et al., 2019). By delivering timely notifications and reminders, the alert system will help healthcare providers make informed decisions and act promptly, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient outcomes. This will ensure that essential information is readily available, leading to better coordination and more effective patient care. Relevancy to the Solutions The proposed EHR enhancements are designed to tackle the current inefficiencies and delays in care at Mayo Clinic. By refining workflows, minimizing documentation errors, and boosting real-time data access, these technological upgrades are set to enhance patient care and operational efficiency significantly (Schauer, 2023). These improvements are aligned with the Mayo Clinic’s commitment to maintaining high standards of care and will contribute to better patient outcomes and increased satisfaction. The enhancements are expected

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 4 Risk Mitigation Name Capella university NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems Prof. Name Date Risk Mitigation Risk Management Plan Risk identified by SAFER Guides Possibility of Occurrence (Frequent, Sometimes, Never) Potential for Harm (Severe, Mild, None) Mitigation to Address Risks Poor integration between advanced and existing EHR systems Sometimes  Mild  To ensure smooth integration, a comprehensive plan guided by technical experts is essential. This plan should include regular testing and the use of contingency tools to address any issues that may arise during integration (Singh & Sittig, 2020). Cybersecurity threats and data breaches Sometimes Severe  Implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as encrypted data, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Continuous staff training on data security practices will help mitigate the risk of data breaches (Keshta & Odeh, 2021). Inaccurate or biased EHR system configuration Sometimes Severe  Establish rigorous protocols for data selection and validation to minimize bias. Regular updates and monitoring of EHR configurations are crucial to maintaining accuracy and fairness (Bottle et al., 2020). Software or hardware malfunctions and system failures Sometimes  Severe  Implement thorough testing and validation processes for both software and hardware components before launch. Regular maintenance schedules and a well-defined response protocol will help address system failures promptly (Cerchione et al., 2022). Inadequate technical proficiency among staff Sometimes  Mild  Provide comprehensive training programs for clinicians and administrative staff to enhance their technical skills in using the EHR system. Ongoing support and training will ensure the system’s effective utilization (Humphrey‐Murto et al., 2022) NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 4 Risk Mitigation Lack of transparency in system implementation Sometimes  Mild Develop and implement clear communication strategies to ensure that all stakeholders, including staff and patients, understand the implementation process and its impact. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms will promote transparency (Hernandez & Gonzales, 2021). Issues with regulatory and legal compliance Frequent  Severe  Ensure that the EHR system fully complies with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines, such as HIPAA. Regular reviews and updates of compliance measures will be conducted to reflect any changes in legislation or best practices (Nowrozy et al., 2024). User resistance to new technology Sometimes  Mild  Implement change management strategies, including Kotter’s 8-Step Process, to address resistance. Engage stakeholders early in the process, provide clear communication, and offer hands-on training to facilitate the smooth adoption of the EHR system (Larsson & Thesing, 2024). Ethical or Legal Issues Related to Identified Risks Inadequate implementation of advanced EHR systems at the Mayo Clinic presents numerous risks, including legal and ethical challenges, compromised patient care, and reduced organizational effectiveness. Key concerns include data breaches, system inefficiencies, insufficient staff training, improper configuration, lack of transparency, and diminished professional competency. A major ethical issue is the potential for biased treatment due to inadequate transparency within the EHR system, which could jeopardize patient rights and overall well-being. This lack of transparency may also foster mistrust among stakeholders, exposing the Mayo Clinic to both legal and ethical responsibilities (Hernandez & Gonzales, 2021). Moreover, inadequate validation and deployment of the EHR system could negatively impact various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, resulting in ethical liabilities for the institution. Integration issues, if not correctly managed, could lead to inefficiencies and errors in data management, which would directly affect patient care and the Mayo Clinic’s overall productivity. Failure to identify and address these ethical issues promptly could expose the clinic to significant legal challenges related to data security and accuracy (Bottle et al., 2020). Additionally, insufficient technical training for staff could result in misinterpretation of data, adversely affecting patient care and legal standing. Such deficiencies would not only have financial implications but also hinder the Mayo Clinic’s ability to deliver high-quality care. Regulatory non-compliance, arising from poor system performance or software malfunctions, could further lead to legal and financial repercussions, compromising both patient safety and ethical standards (Cerchione et al., 2022). NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 4 Risk Mitigation Ethical concerns also arise from system inefficiencies, particularly when software malfunctions hinder practical patient evaluation. This situation is ethically troubling as it delays critical care delivery. The increased time required to navigate the EHR system could slow down clinicians’ ability to provide timely treatment, raising significant ethical concerns (Bottle et al., 2020). Over-reliance on EHR technology may reduce clinicians’ skills, compromise personalized care, and potentially result in moral and legal issues for the Mayo Clinic. Addressing these risks is essential to maintaining the efficiency of care services, especially in high-stakes environments like emergency departments, where delays can have serious consequences (Hernandez & Gonzales, 2021). If the Mayo Clinic fails to implement proper safeguards to manage EHR-related risks, it could face serious ethical dilemmas, including violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA breaches, such as unauthorized access to sensitive patient information, would carry legal penalties. Furthermore, improper EHR configurations could introduce biases in patient care, leading to medical errors and compromising patient safety, thus creating significant ethical challenges (Nowrozy et al., 2024). In addition, the lack of regulatory compliance in using EHR systems could lead to data breaches, exacerbating HIPAA violations and legal issues (Nowrozy et al., 2024). These problems could erode patient trust, diminish staff morale, and result in subpar care delivery, ultimately placing a substantial financial burden on the Mayo Clinic. Justification of Actions to Address Identified Risks Addressing the identified risks associated with the implementation of advanced EHR systems at the Mayo Clinic requires a series of strategic actions, each supported by evidence-based practices and peer-reviewed literature. One of the primary risks is the potential for poor integration between the new EHR system and existing systems, which could lead to inefficiencies and data handling errors. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to implement robust integration planning and develop contingency tools. According to Singh & Sittig (2020), comprehensive testing phases and the involvement of technical experts during the integration process are essential to ensure compatibility with current systems and workflows. Such measures are critical in preventing data inaccuracies, maintaining clinical operations’ efficiency, and ultimately

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage Name Capella university NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems Prof. Name Date SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of technology is crucial in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. This assessment focuses on evaluating the use of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at the Mayo Clinic, leveraging the HealthIT SAFER Guides to identify performance and risk factors associated with its implementation. The SAFER Guides are designed to help healthcare organizations assess their EHR systems in terms of safety, functionality, and risk management (Sittig & Singh, 2021). This paper will discuss the proposed EHR technology for practice change at the Mayo Clinic, highlight areas where the clinic performs well according to the SAFER Guides, and uncover potential risks. Use of EHR to Drive Improvements in Healthcare Setting The Mayo Clinic’s adoption of an advanced Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is essential for enhancing clinical practice and patient care. This advanced technology guarantees that authorized personnel can access medical data securely and confidentially. The EHR system streamlines information sharing among various departments, including primary care, specialty clinics, and emergency services, through its user-friendly and intuitive design (Elizabeth et al., 2023). This ease of use aids clinicians and staff in efficiently retrieving patient information, thus reducing training challenges and promoting effective workflows. By integrating a comprehensive range of clinical data such as medical histories, diagnostic results, treatment plans, and prescription records into one platform, the EHR enables healthcare professionals to make informed, personalized decisions, ultimately improving patient care. The EHR system at Mayo Clinic supports connectivity with external systems like laboratories and pharmacies, minimizing manual data entry and facilitating coordinated care by providing accurate, real-time information (Aguirre et al., 2019). The inclusion of a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) within the EHR offers evidence-based guidelines, alerts, and notifications that assist healthcare providers in making well-informed decisions, particularly in urgent or emergencies. These features enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce medical errors, and streamline medical processes, which in turn improves patient safety and reduces healthcare costs (Sutton et al., 2020). The EHR system also boosts communication among interdisciplinary teams during emergencies, shortens wait times, and speeds up response times, thereby enhancing patient outcomes in critical scenarios where timely data access is crucial (Tsai et al., 2020). Preliminary Goals for Improvement The EHR system aims to reduce patient waiting times by eliminating pre-assessments and simplifying premedical checkups, particularly in emergencies (Jabour, 2020). Thus, it enhances efficiency and patient safety at Mayo Clinic. The system will enhance the accuracy of medication reconciliation, ensuring that treatment plans and prescriptions are thoroughly reviewed and accurately recorded (Bhati et al., 2023). The advanced EHR is expected to improve patient experience and satisfaction by providing more efficient care and better service delivery. Implementing the EHR will help improve performance metrics such as Leapfrog and Medicare Compare Score Grades for Mayo Clinic, reflecting higher quality and safety outcomes. The EHR’s patient interface will enhance communication between doctors and patients, promoting better engagement and ensuring patients are well-informed about their care (Vos et al., 2020). SAFER Guides Findings Related to Well-Performing Areas The SAFER Guides provide a framework for assessing the effectiveness and safety of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. According to the SAFER Guides’ recommendations, the Mayo Clinic’s EHR system has shown strong performance in several key areas. One notable area of strength is system configuration. The SAFER Guides highlight the importance of configuring EHR systems to align with clinical workflows to enhance usability and reduce errors (Sittig et al., 2020). At the Mayo Clinic, the EHR system is tailored to meet the needs of various departments, such as cardiology and oncology. For example, the system includes customized templates for different specialties, which streamline data entry and ensure that clinicians can quickly access relevant information. This tailored approach reduces the likelihood of errors and aligns with SAFER Guides’ emphasis on effective system configuration (Kumar, 2019). Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are another critical aspect where Mayo Clinic’s EHR excels. The SAFER Guides recommend integrating CDSS features to support clinical decision-making with real-time, evidence-based recommendations. At the Mayo Clinic, the EHR system provides alerts for potential drug interactions and contraindications (Aguirre et al., 2019). For instance, during a patient’s prescription review, the system automatically alerts clinicians if a prescribed medication may interact with the patient’s existing medications, thus preventing possible adverse drug reactions. This feature directly supports the SAFER Guides’ focus on enhancing clinical decision-making through timely and reliable information (Kumar, 2019). NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage Data integrity and security are also crucial elements emphasized by the SAFER Guides. The Mayo Clinic’s EHR system has implemented advanced encryption and stringent access controls to protect patient data. For example, the system uses role-based access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive patient information. Additionally, regular system audits and automated data verification processes are in place to maintain data accuracy (Usha Nicole Cobrado et al., 2024). These practices align with the SAFER Guides’ recommendations for safeguarding data integrity. Information exchange between different healthcare systems is another area where Mayo Clinic’s EHR system performs exceptionally well. The SAFER Guides stress the importance of interoperability for effective care coordination. The Mayo Clinic’s EHR system seamlessly integrates with external systems, such as regional health information exchanges and laboratory systems. For instance, when a patient undergoes a diagnostic test at an external facility, the results are automatically integrated into the patient’s EHR, enabling clinicians to access comprehensive data and avoid redundant testing (Elizabeth et al., 2023). This interoperability enhances care coordination and aligns with SAFER Guides’ emphasis on effective information exchange. Lastly, the SAFER Guides highlight the role of patient engagement and communication in EHR effectiveness. Mayo Clinic’s EHR system includes a robust patient portal that allows individuals to view their health records, schedule appointments, and communicate with healthcare providers (Sittig & Singh, 2021).

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 2 Proposal for a Change Name Capella university NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems Prof. Name Date Using Data to Make Evidence-Based Technology Recommendations Slide 1:  Hello, I’m Evelyn, a nurse with a DNP. In today’s presentation, I will discuss how Mayo Clinic uses Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems to boost patient safety and improve overall performance. We will examine the Mayo Clinic’s performance in crucial patient safety areas as assessed by the Leapfrog Group and Medicare Compare. Based on this analysis, we will propose specific informatics and technology interventions aimed at further elevating patient care and operational effectiveness. Slide 2:  The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization, assesses hospital safety by assigning letter grades from A to F. These grades reflect the hospital’s effectiveness in preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections based on publicly available data and a comprehensive hospital survey (The Leapfrog Group, 2024). On the other hand, Medicare Compare, provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), allows for comparing healthcare quality across different organizations. It assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, indicating performance in areas such as patient safety, experience, outcomes, and the provision of timely and adequate care (Kurian et al., 2021). Leapfrog and Medicare Compare Scores Slide 3:  The Leapfrog Group has awarded Mayo Clinic in Minnesota an A grade, reflecting its exceptional performance in various safety measures. This evaluation system assesses hospitals’ ability to maintain high standards of patient safety. Key factors include nurse-to-patient hours, efforts to prevent errors, and medication reconciliation (Schauer, 2023). Recent data shows the Mayo Clinic’s strong performance in these areas. Specifically, the average nurse-to-patient care time is 9.15 hours daily, exceeding recommended benchmarks. Leadership initiatives aimed at error prevention have achieved a score of 115.50 out of 120.00, indicating robust and effective strategies. Additionally, Mayo Clinic’s medication reconciliation rate is 0.110, significantly below the 50th percentile, highlighting its commitment to accurate medication management (Leapfrog Ratings, 2024). Slide 4:  Mayo Clinic holds a 5-star rating on Medicare Compare, demonstrating its excellent performance in patient safety and care quality. The clinic’s mortality rate is 4 out of 7, which is better than the national average of 5 out of 7. Its readmission rate stands at 6 out of 11, which is slightly better than the national average of 7 out of 11 (Mueller et al., 2020). Moreover, Mayo Clinic excels in providing timely and effective care, scoring 11 out of 12, surpassing national benchmarks. Patient satisfaction is also high, with a survey score of 4.5 out of 5 and a response rate of 30%, reflecting the clinic’s strong reputation for delivering high-quality care (Medicare.gov, 2024). Assessing Mayo Clinic in Minnesota against Two Other Hospitals Slide 5: In a recent Leapfrog report, Miami Valley Hospital received a “B” grade for safety, which is lower than Mayo Clinic’s “A” grade. Miami Valley Hospital has 6.82 nursing hours per day and an error prevention score of 92.31 out of 120, compared to Mayo Clinic’s 9.15 hours and 115.50 out of 120 (Leapfrog, 2024). The medication reconciliation rate at Miami Valley Hospital is 0.298, which is less efficient than the Mayo Clinic’s 0.110. Similarly, Atrium Medical Center also received a “B” grade and reports 7.25 nursing hours per day and an error prevention score of 92.31 out of 120 (Leapfrog, 2023). Atrium’s medication reconciliation rate is 0.095, slightly better than Mayo Clinic’s 0.110, but its overall performance in other areas is lower compared to Mayo Clinic. Slide 6: In Medicare Compare ratings, Miami Valley Hospital has an overall score of 3 out of 5 stars and a patient survey rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which are lower compared to Mayo Clinic’s ratings. Miami Valley’s mortality rate is 7 out of 7, and its readmission rate is 11 out of 11, both worse than Mayo Clinic’s figures of 4 out of 7 and 6 out of 11, respectively. Despite a timely and effective care score of 11 out of 12, Miami Valley still lags behind the Mayo Clinic (Medicare.gov, 2024c). On the other hand, Atrium Medical Center has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a patient survey rating of 3 out of 5 stars. Its mortality rate is 7 out of 7, higher than the Mayo Clinic’s, but its readmission rate of 10 out of 11 is better than the Mayo Clinic’s. Atrium’s timely and effective care score of 10 out of 12 is also slightly lower than Mayo Clinic’s score (Medicare.gov, 2024a).  Implementing Advanced EHR System  To Enhance Medicare Compare Scores Slide 7: Implementing an advanced EHR system is essential to improving Mayo Clinic’s Medicare Compare scores. Currently, the emergency department handles over 70,000 visits annually, with an average patient wait time of 150 minutes, which are both significant figures. Additionally, the hospital’s readmission rates for conditions like heart attack and heart failure are 10.5 days and 18 days per 100 discharges, respectively, indicating a need for improvement compared to national averages (Zheng et al., 2022). Upgrading to an advanced EHR system with features such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and speech recognition could greatly benefit Mayo Clinic. Speech recognition can streamline the documentation process, allowing for faster and more accurate entry of patient information, thereby reducing wait times (Avendano et al., 2022). Enhanced encryption and multi-factor authentication will ensure that patient data is securely handled, thus safeguarding patient privacy and compliance. An intuitive and user-friendly interface will aid both staff and patients, leading to improved care delivery and potentially lowering readmission rates and mortality (Avendano et al., 2022). To Improve Leapfrog Scores Slide 8: Mayo Clinic’s Leapfrog report highlights several areas for improvement. The hospital’s score for leadership efforts to prevent errors is 115.50, while top-performing hospitals achieve a score of 120. The nursing and bedside care score is 85, below the 100 achieved by leading hospitals. Communication with doctors is rated at 92, compared to the best score of 98, and communication with nurses is at 90,

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 1 Technology-Informatics Use in Your Practice Setting Name Capella university NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems Prof. Name Date Technology Informatics Use in Your Practice Setting Greetings, I am _____. Today, I am excited to discuss how Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are used at Mayo Clinic, a leading institution known for its advanced healthcare practices. EHRs have become essential in modern medical practice, significantly transforming patient care and engagement (Adeniyi et al., 2024). At Mayo Clinic, this technology is critical to improving and managing the quality of patient care. My recent experience at the Mayo Clinic has provided valuable insights into the practical application of EHRs. In this video, I will explore the benefits of EHRs within Mayo Clinic’s acute care setting, address the challenges encountered in their implementation, and propose a redesigned workflow to enhance care coordination and patient outcomes. Understanding these aspects will help us leverage EHR technology more effectively to deliver exceptional patient care. Benefits of Chosen Technology Context Mayo Clinic, renowned for its exceptional healthcare services, has integrated Electronic Health Records (EHRs) into its acute care unit. EHRs replace traditional paper records with digital systems, improving the accuracy, accessibility, and management of patient information. This shift towards digitalization reflects a broader trend in healthcare aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, streamlining workflows, and supporting data-driven decision-making (Mehta et al., 2020). Understanding the benefits of EHRs at Mayo Clinic provides insights into how this technology enhances healthcare delivery and operational effectiveness. Benefits of the Chosen Technology EHRs EHRs at Mayo Clinic enable comprehensive and precise patient records, which is essential for delivering high-quality care. The system provides clinicians with complete patient histories, including previous treatments, allergies, and test results. This comprehensive access facilitates informed decision-making and reduces the likelihood of medical errors, enhancing patient safety by minimizing risks related to incorrect treatments or drug interactions. The adoption of EHRs promotes seamless communication among healthcare providers (Akinyemi et al., 2022). At Mayo Clinic, this means that all members of a patient’s care team, ranging from specialists to primary care physicians, can view and contribute to a unified patient record. This collaborative approach improves continuity of care, as clinicians are well-informed about the patient’s overall treatment plan, which is particularly advantageous in managing complex or chronic conditions (Tapuria et al., 2021). EHRs streamline various administrative tasks, such as ordering tests, documenting patient interactions, and managing prescriptions. For Mayo Clinic’s acute care unit, this efficiency results in reduced paperwork and quicker processing of patient information. Clinicians can dedicate more time to direct patient care rather than administrative duties, enhancing overall workflow efficiency and reducing patient wait times (Moy et al., 2023).  EHR systems at Mayo Clinic facilitate robust data collection and analysis, supporting evidence-based practice. By aggregating patient data, EHRs help identify trends and outcomes, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions and implement best practices. This data-driven approach is crucial for refining treatment protocols and improving patient care quality. EHRs at Mayo Clinic include patient portals that offer patients access to their health information, appointment scheduling, and communication with their care team (Chung et al., 2019). This functionality empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare, leading to increased satisfaction and better adherence to treatment plans. EHRs assist Mayo Clinic in adhering to healthcare regulations and standards, including those stipulated by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and Meaningful Use criteria. The technology enables accurate and timely reporting, which is vital for maintaining accreditation and meeting quality metrics (Chung et al., 2019). Obstacles to Utilizing EHR The integration of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) at Mayo Clinic’s acute care unit brings significant benefits but also presents several challenges. From a healthcare provider’s perspective, these obstacles can impact the efficient use and overall effectiveness of the EHR system. System integration issues pose a significant challenge. At Mayo Clinic, multiple specialized systems, including laboratory and imaging systems, are used in conjunction with EHRs. Ensuring seamless communication between these systems can be complex. Integration problems may lead to fragmented patient information, delays in data sharing, and additional manual data entry tasks, which can affect the efficiency of patient care (Moy et al., 2023). Usability and user training also present obstacles. EHR systems, while designed to streamline documentation and access, can be complex and challenging to navigate. Providers may require extensive training to become proficient with the system. Inadequate training or difficulties in using the EHR can result in decreased productivity, user frustration, and potential errors in patient documentation, which can affect care quality (Tsai et al., 2020). Data entry and accuracy are critical concerns. Manually entering patient data into EHR systems can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Ensuring that patient records are accurate and up-to-date is crucial in an acute care setting (Adeniyi et al., 2024). Mistakes in data entry can impact clinical decision-making and patient safety, highlighting the need for ongoing quality control and vigilance. NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 1 Technology-Informatics Use in Your Practice Setting Workflow disruption is another significant challenge. The transition to EHRs can disrupt established workflows and routines. Providers may experience interruptions as they adapt to new electronic documentation practices. This disruption can temporarily affect the efficiency of care delivery, particularly during the period when both paper and electronic systems might be in use. Data privacy and security concerns are paramount with EHR systems. While EHRs enhance data accessibility, they also raise concerns about the protection of sensitive patient information (Nowrozy et al., 2024). Ensuring that patient data is secure from unauthorized access and cyber threats requires stringent security measures and adherence to regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (Schmidt, 2020). Balancing accessibility with security is a challenging aspect of EHR management. Financial costs associated with EHR systems can also be a barrier. The initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs for EHRs are substantial. Although EHRs are intended to improve efficiency and reduce costs over time, the financial burden of