NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4 Patient Care Technology

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 5005 Introduction to Nursing Research, Ethics, and Technology

Prof. Name

Date

Analysis of Technology in Nursing Practice

Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems play a crucial role in storing patient health information, including laboratory results, medical histories, medication data, and treatment plans. These systems significantly enhance clinical decision-making by enabling healthcare professionals to access patient data in real-time, promoting streamlined workflows and improved inter-professional communication. The integration of EHRs into nursing practice supports accurate documentation, reduces medication errors (MEs), and enhances care coordination. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) heavily relies on data obtained from EHRs, as it informs quality improvements, clinical decisions, and research (Li et al., 2022). This analysis explores the impact of EHRs on nursing practice, focusing on their communication, application, and strategies for improving patient outcomes through EBP.

How Patient Care Technology Affects Patient Care and Nursing Practice

EHRs have a profound effect on both patient care and nursing practice by centralizing patient information in a digital format that is easily accessible. These systems simplify documentation, enhance communication among care teams, and ensure continuity of care. Real-time access to medical histories, laboratory results, and medication lists empowers nurses to make timely, evidence-based decisions (Li et al., 2022). For example, automated medication alerts within EHRs notify nurses of potential drug interactions, thereby minimizing the risk of MEs.

Despite their benefits, EHRs present certain challenges. System downtimes or complex documentation requirements may disrupt workflows, causing frustration and reducing time available for direct patient interaction, which could contribute to burnout. Additionally, the accuracy of EHR data depends on adequate training and proper data entry by healthcare staff, leaving room for human error (Li et al., 2022). Addressing these issues through improved system usability and ongoing staff education can maximize the benefits of EHRs while mitigating their limitations.

Data Generated by the Technology

EHRs generate a variety of data types that are essential for clinical decision-making. These include nominal data (e.g., patient demographics and diagnoses), ordinal data (e.g., pain levels on a scale), and ratio data (e.g., vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure). This information is critical for monitoring patient outcomes, identifying trends, and informing treatment decisions (Upadhyay & Hu, 2022). For instance, by tracking blood glucose levels over time, nurses can make necessary adjustments to a diabetic patient’s treatment plan to optimize care.

Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of EHR data is fundamental to effective healthcare delivery. Consistent use of the system by healthcare providers facilitates seamless information sharing across disciplines. Decision-support tools integrated into EHRs provide alerts and reminders, such as warnings for drug interactions or missed preventive screenings, which further enhance patient safety (Upadhyay & Hu, 2022). Additionally, efficient data communication among interdisciplinary teams ensures that patient care decisions are well-informed and coordinated.

Table: Technology in Nursing Practice

References

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Keshta, I., & Odeh, A. (2021). Security and privacy of electronic health records: Concerns and challenges. Egyptian Informatics Journal, 22(2), 177–183. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110866520301365

Khairat, S., Whitt, S., Craven, C. K., Pak, Y., Shyu, C.-R., & Gong, Y. (2021). Investigating the impact of intensive care unit interruptions on patient safety events and electronic health records use. Journal of Patient Safety, 17(4), e321–e326. https://doi.org/10.1097/pts.0000000000000603

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4 Patient Care Technology

Li, E., Clarke, J., Ashrafian, H., Darzi, A., & Neves, A. L. (2022). The impact of electronic health record interoperability on safety and quality of care in high-income countries: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(9), e38144. https://doi.org/10.2196/38144

Mullins, A., O’Donnell, R., Mousa, M., Rankin, D., Ben-Meir, M., Boyd-Skinner, C., & Skouteris, H. (2020). Health outcomes and healthcare efficiencies associated with the use of electronic health records in hospital emergency departments: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Systems, 44(12), 200. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-020-01660-0

Subbe, C. P., Tellier, G., & Barach, P. (2021). Impact of electronic health records on predefined safety outcomes in patients admitted to hospital: A scoping review. British Medical Journal Open, 11(1), e047446. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047446

Upadhyay, S., & Hu, H. (2022). A qualitative analysis of the impact of electronic health records (EHR) on healthcare quality and safety: Clinicians’ lived experiences. Health Services Insights, 15(1), 1–7. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/11786329211070722

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 4 Patient Care Technology