NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage

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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). For example, patients can use the portal to review their lab results and message their care team with questions or concerns, fostering greater involvement in their care. This feature aligns with the SAFER Guides’ recommendations for improving patient engagement through technology.

SAFER Guides Findings on the EHR Associate Risks

The SAFER Guides identify several potential risks associated with the implementation and use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. These risks need to be carefully managed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of EHR technology in healthcare settings (Sittig & Singh, 2021). At the Mayo Clinic, while the EHR system offers numerous benefits, certain risks have been noted according to SAFER Guide recommendations. One significant risk area highlighted by the SAFER Guides is system downtime and its impact on clinical operations (Kumar, 2019). EHR systems are susceptible to outages or technical failures, which can disrupt access to patient information and delay care. For instance, during a recent planned system upgrade at Mayo Clinic, there was a temporary outage that affected access to patient records for a short period.

Although the downtime was managed effectively with backup procedures and manual documentation, it underscores the SAFER Guides’ concern about the need for robust contingency plans to minimize the impact of system downtime on patient care (Kumar, 2019).Another risk identified by the SAFER Guides involves data entry errors and the potential for incorrect or incomplete information being entered into the EHR. At Mayo Clinic, while the EHR system is designed to minimize such mistakes through user-friendly interfaces and clinical decision support, there have been instances where data entry mistakes occurred (Sutton et al., 2020). For example, a clinician accidentally entered the wrong dosage for a medication due to an interface glitch.

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage

The SAFER Guides also point to risks related to clinical decision support overload. While CDSS features are designed to assist with decision-making, excessive alerts and notifications can lead to alert fatigue among clinicians (Sutton et al., 2020). At the Mayo Clinic, there have been reports of clinicians experiencing alert fatigue due to frequent, non-critical alerts that can desensitize them to essential warnings. This situation reflects the SAFER Guides’ recommendation to optimize alert systems to ensure that alerts are relevant and actionable, thereby reducing clinician burnout and improving overall decision-making.

Interoperability and data exchange between different systems present another risk area, as highlighted by the SAFER Guides. Although Mayo Clinic’s EHR system integrates well with external systems, there are occasional issues with data consistency and synchronization (Sittig & Singh, 2021). For instance, discrepancies in patient information between Mayo Clinic’s EHR and an external laboratory’s system have led to confusion and delays in patient care. This underscores the SAFER Guides’ concern about ensuring consistent data exchange practices and maintaining high-quality data integration across systems (Kumar, 2019).

Lastly, the SAFER Guides emphasize the risk of unauthorized access to patient data, which is a critical concern for data security. While Mayo Clinic has implemented strong access controls, there have been isolated incidents where staff access to sensitive patient information was inadvertently broader than necessary (Bhati, 2023). This highlights the SAFER Guides’ call for ongoing monitoring and refinement of access controls to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that patient data remains secure.

Experience of Using SAFER Guides

The SAFER Guides have been instrumental in identifying and managing risks related to Electronic Health Records (EHR) at the Mayo Clinic. Through rigorous self-evaluation and risk assessment, these guides assist in pinpointing potential threats and prioritizing improvements in areas with the highest risk. I have found that using the SAFER Guides effectively uncovers hazards in any healthcare setting. An important insight from this experience is how the SAFER Guides facilitate the enhancement of EHR deployment (Sittig et al., 2020). By recognizing and addressing risks early on, opportunities for refining and optimizing EHR implementation emerge. This proactive approach ensures the safe and efficient use of EHR technologies (Tsai et al., 2020).

Additionally, the process of using the SAFER Guides highlights the value of collaboration and interprofessional teamwork. Practical evaluation and improvement of EHR systems often require close cooperation with IT specialists, healthcare executives, and professionals from various fields. This collaborative effort promotes clear communication, shared decision-making, and a comprehensive understanding of the EHR system’s impact on patient care (Johnston et al., 2022). In future positions at other healthcare institutions, I plan to continue leveraging the SAFER Guides to manage EHR-related risks. Given the ubiquitous presence of EHR technology in healthcare settings, it is crucial to apply these guidelines to mitigate risks and enhance patient care and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The advanced EHR system at the Mayo Clinic improves patient care and clinical practice. The SAFER Guides show strengths in areas like system configuration and data security but also highlight risks such as system downtime and data entry errors. Using these guides helps identify and address potential issues, promoting safer and more effective use of EHR technology. This experience will be valuable for managing EHR systems in other healthcare settings. Overall, the SAFER Guides support better patient care and operational efficiency.

References

Aguirre, R. R., Suarez, O., Fuentes, M., & Sanchez-Gonzalez, M. A. (2019). Electronic health record implementation: A review of resources and tools. Cureus, 11(9). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5649 

Bhati, D. (2023). Improving patient outcomes through effective hospital administration: A comprehensive review. Cureus, 15(10), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.47731 

Elizabeth, Q., Osareme, J., Anyanwu, C., Akomolafe, N. O., Odilibe, P., & Ifesinachi, A. (2023). The impact of electronic health records on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes: A review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(2), 451–460. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.2.0478 

Jabour, A. M. (2020). The Impact of electronic health records on the duration of patients’ visits: Time and motion study. JMIR Medical Informatics, 8(2), e16502. https://doi.org/10.2196/16502 

Johnston, C., Butcher, D., & Aveyard, H. (2022). An integrative review exploring the impact of electronic health records (EHR) on the quality of nurse-patient interactions and communication. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15484 

Kumar, A. P. (2019). Using the SAFER Guides to improve patient safety and medical risk management. EisnerAmper. https://www.eisneramper.com/insights/health-care/safer-guides-improve-patient-safety-medical-risk-management-0722/ 

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage

Sittig, D. F., Ash, J. S., Wright, A., Chase, D., Gebhardt, E., Russo, E. M., Tercek, C., Mohan, V., & Singh, H. (2020). How can we partner with electronic health record vendors on the complex journey to safer health care? Journal of Healthcare Risk Management, 40(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/jhrm.21434 

Sittig, D. F., & Singh, H. (2021). Toward more proactive approaches to safety in the electronic health record era. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 43(10), 540–547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjq.2017.06.005 

Sutton, R., Pincock, D., Baumgart, D., Sadowski, D., Fedorak, R., & Kroeker, K. (2020). An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success. NPJ Digital Medicine, 3(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-020-0221-y 

Tsai, C. H., Eghdam, A., Davoody, N., Wright, G., Flowerday, S., & Koch, S. (2020). Effects of electronic health record implementation and barriers to adoption and use: A scoping review and qualitative analysis of the content. Life, 10(12), 1–27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7761950/ 

Usha Nicole Cobrado, Sharief, S., Noven Grace Regahal, Zepka, E., Mamauag, M., & Lemuel Clark Velasco. (2024). Access control solutions in electronic health record systems: A systematic review. Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 101552–101552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imu.2024.101552

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage

 

Vos, J. F. J., Boonstra, A., Kooistra, A., Seelen, M., & van Offenbeek, M. (2020). The influence of electronic health record use on collaboration among medical specialties. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 676. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05542-6