NURS FPX 6412 Assessment 1 Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff:Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 6412 Analysis of Clinical Information Systems and Application to Nursing Practice

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Date

Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff: Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

Introduction

Nursing informatics combines nursing science, computer science, and information science to efficiently manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. A key aspect of this integration is the deployment of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, such as Epic Systems, which aim to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care (Arikan et al., 2021). This document provides comprehensive policy and guidelines for the implementation and utilization of Epic Systems at St. Paul Regional Health Center, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices and optimizing patient care.

Policy, Evaluation, and Strategic Support

Policy

The policy focuses on establishing guidelines to optimize care quality and system efficiency through Epic Systems. It mandates accurate data entry, utilization of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools, and active patient engagement via the system’s portal. The policy also emphasizes the integration of Epic into clinical workflows, safeguarding patient confidentiality, and maintaining system security. Healthcare providers are required to complete training to ensure familiarity with the system’s functionalities (Bansler, 2021).

Evaluation of the Tool

Epic Systems supports evidence-based practice (EBP) by providing real-time access to patient data, aiding clinical decision-making, and integrating evidence-based guidelines. Clinicians at St. Paul Regional Health Center benefit from automated alerts and reminders that promote compliance with best practices, minimize adverse events, and improve patient safety (Chishtie et al., 2023). Research suggests that EHR systems enhance hospital performance by standardizing high-quality care and facilitating regular updates to clinical guidelines (Richesson et al., 2021).

Support for Strategic Plans

Epic Systems is aligned with the hospital’s strategic goals by integrating evidence-based guidelines and comprehensive patient data. The embedded CDS alerts guide healthcare providers to follow protocols, such as diabetes management guidelines, to ensure adherence to evidence-based care. This functionality ensures timely, high-quality care, supporting the hospital’s objectives of improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction (Withall et al., 2022; Arikan et al., 2021).

Analysis, Workflow, and Interprofessional Impact

Work Setting Analysis

At St. Paul Regional Health Center, Epic Systems contributes to evidence-based practice by enhancing workflow efficiency and supporting comprehensive data integration. The system offers standardized order sets and automated reminders to ensure healthcare providers have access to accurate and current information (Jensen, 2023). This facilitates improved care coordination, reduces errors, and optimizes treatment protocols, leveraging the latest clinical data.

Workflow Efficiency and Safety

Epic Systems automates various processes, such as order entry and medication administration, which reduces the need for manual documentation and minimizes the risk of errors. This streamlined approach enhances both safety and efficiency by aligning clinical workflows with evidence-based practices (Withall et al., 2022). The result is a care environment that prioritizes patient safety while improving operational efficiency.

Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient Satisfaction

Epic Systems enhances interprofessional collaboration by providing authorized healthcare providers with immediate access to patient data. The system’s CDS tools support team-based decision-making, reducing medication errors and improving adherence to clinical guidelines (Ratwani, 2020). Additionally, the patient portal encourages patient engagement, leading to higher follow-up rates and greater overall satisfaction with care (Jensen, 2023).

Table: Summary of Policy and Guidelines

Heading	Key Details	References
Policy	Accurate data entry, use of CDS tools, and patient portal engagement.	Bansler, 2021
Evaluation and Strategic Support	Epic facilitates EBP through real-time data access and evidence-based alerts, aligning with hospital goals.	Chishtie et al., 2023; Withall et al., 2022; Arikan et al., 2021
Workflow and Collaboration	Automates tasks to enhance efficiency and safety, promotes interprofessional care, and boosts patient satisfaction.	Ratwani, 2020; Jensen, 2023

Conclusion

Epic Systems plays a crucial role in improving patient care at St. Paul Regional Health Center by supporting evidence-based practices, optimizing workflows, and promoting interprofessional collaboration. The system’s alignment with strategic goals ensures the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care.

References

Arikan, F., Kara, H., Erdogan, E., & Ulker, F. (2021). Barriers to adoption of electronic health record systems from the perspective of nurses. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, Publish Ahead of Print(4). https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000848

Bansler, J. P. (2021). Challenges in user-driven optimization of EHR: A case study of a large Epic implementation in Denmark. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 148, 104394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104394

Chishtie, J., Sapiro, N., Wiebe, N., Rabatach, L., Lorenzetti, D., Leung, A. A., Rabi, D., Quan, H., & Eastwood, C. A. (2023). Use of Epic electronic health record system for health care research: Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25(1), e51003. https://doi.org/10.2196/51003

Jensen, M. (2023). EHR Integration: Importance, benefits, challenges, and best practices. DemandHub. https://www.demandhub.co/articles/ehr-integration/