How Can Information Technology Be Used To Enhance Patient Sa

How Can Information Technology Be Used To Enhance Patient Safety Use

How can information technology be used to enhance patient safety? Use at least one specific example. This is shared only with your instructor. Minimum 250 words. · No title page needed · One full page typed and double spaced is equivalent to 250 words (your minimum required) · References and citations should be scholarly, peer-reviewed (no blogs, WIKI, or other school of nursing website) written in Current APA Style Rubric Journal Assignment Rubric (1) Journal Assignment Rubric (1) Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Analysis 12 to >10.2 pts Meets or Exceeds Expectations Presents an exemplary articulation and insightful analysis. Offers detailed and specific examples for all questions. Makes keen observations, making note of essential information. Ideas are professionally sound and creative; they are supported by scientific evidence that is credible and timely. Draws insightful and comprehensive conclusions and solutions. 10.2 to >9.0 pts Mostly Meets Expectations Presents an accurate analysis of significant concepts and/or theories. Offers some detail and some examples for most questions. Makes occasional note of essential information. Ideas are mostly supported by scientific evidence that is credible and timely. Makes some attempt to draw conclusions and solutions. 9 to >7.08 pts Below Expectations Provides insufficient explanations of significant concepts. Offers little or insignificant detail and no examples for most questions. Fails to address essential information. Ideas are generally unsupported by scientific evidence, but some attempt has been made. Fails to draw conclusion. 7.08 to >0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Does not, or incorrectly, answers with insufficient explanations. Information is not scientifically sound. 12 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent 12 to >10.2 pts Meets or Exceeds Expectations Makes insightful, clear and accurate connections to key concepts and relevant theories. Response indicates a comprehensive, high-level understanding of the concepts. 10.2 to >9.0 pts Mostly Meets Expectations Makes mostly accurate connections to key concepts and relevant theories. Response indicates a general understanding of the concepts. 9 to >7.08 pts Below Expectations Provides several insufficient or inaccurate explanations, although attempts are made to address some key concepts. Response indicates an introductory understanding of the concepts. 7.08 to >0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Information is inaccurate or inadequate. Response indicates little or no understanding of the concepts. 12 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics 9 to >7.66 pts Meets or Exceeds Expectations Answers are well written throughout. Information is well organized and clearly communicated. Assignment is free of spelling and grammatical errors. 7.66 to >6.76 pts Mostly Meets Expectations Answers are well written throughout and the information is reasonably organized and communicated. Assignment is mostly free of spelling and grammatical errors. 6.76 to >5.32 pts Below Expectations Answers are somewhat organized and lack some clarity. Contains some spelling and grammatical errors. 5.32 to >0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Answers are not well written and lack clarity. Information is poorly organized. Assignment contains many spelling and grammatical errors. 9 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA Format 7 to >5.96 pts Meets or Exceeds Expectations Follows all the requirements related to format, length, source citations, and layout. 5.96 to >5.26 pts Mostly Meets Expectations Follows length requirement and most of the requirements related to format, source citations, and layout. 5.26 to >4.14 pts Below Expectations Follows most of the requirements related to format, length, source citations, and layout. 4.14 to >0 pts Does Not Meet Expectations Does not follow format, length, source citations, and layout requirements. 7 pts Total Points: 40

Paper For Above instruction

Information technology (IT) has revolutionized healthcare by providing tools and systems that significantly enhance patient safety. Among various technological innovations, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), computerized physician order entry (CPOE), barcoding systems, and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have proven to be instrumental in minimizing medical errors, improving communication, and ensuring accurate medication administration. This paper explores how IT enhances patient safety, exemplified by the implementation of barcode medication administration (BCMA).

One of the most significant ways IT improves patient safety is through the deployment of barcode medication administration (BCMA). BCMA involves scanning barcodes on patients’ wristbands and medications before administration, ensuring correct dosage and drug identification. According to Poon et al. (2010), BCMA reduces medication errors caused by human oversight, such as administering wrong drugs or incorrect dosages. This specific example highlights how integration of simple yet effective technology directly impacts patient safety by preventing adverse drug events, which are among the leading causes of healthcare-related injuries and fatalities.

The implementation of BCMA demonstrates the capacity of IT to eliminate common medication errors by providing real-time verification. When nurses scan patient identifiers and medication barcodes, the system cross-references the data with the electronic medication administration record (eMAR). If discrepancies occur, the system alerts the healthcare provider, preventing administration errors before they reach the patient. This technological safeguard aligns with the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) emphasis on system-based approaches to reduce harm in healthcare (IOM, 2000). Thus, the integration of barcode technology exemplifies a practical application of IT that safeguards patient wellbeing.

Furthermore, IT enhances communication among healthcare teams, reducing errors related to misinterpretation or incomplete information. For instance, the use of integrated Electronic Health Records (EHRs) allows seamless access to patient data across different providers and departments, reducing redundant testing and ensuring continuity of care. According to Buntin et al. (2011), EHRs facilitate better decision-making by providing comprehensive and up-to-date information, which reduces the likelihood of medical errors and adverse events.

Additionally, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) offer alerts, reminders, and guidelines at the point of care, alerting providers about potential drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications. Such systems serve as a safety net, catching potential errors before medication or treatment is administered. Studies have shown that integrating CDSS with EHRs has decreased adverse drug events and improved overall patient safety (Kuperman et al., 2012).

In conclusion, information technology significantly contributes to enhancing patient safety through various mechanisms, including barcode medication administration, integrated EHRs, and clinical decision support systems. The specific example of BCMA underscores the role of targeted technological solutions in preventing medication errors, a critical aspect of patient safety. As healthcare continues to evolve digitally, the integration of these tools is essential in fostering a safer environment for patients and improving overall healthcare outcomes.

References

• Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D. (2011). The benefits of health information technology: A review of the recent literature shows predominantly positive results. Health Affairs, 30(3), 464-471.
• Institute of Medicine. (2000). To err is human: Building a safer health system. National Academies Press.
• Kuperman, G. J., Bobb, A., & Kaushal, R. (2012). Medication safety with computerised provider order entry. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 17(2), 177-194.
• Poon, E. G., Keohane, C. A., Yoon, C. S., et al. (2010). Effect of electronic health records on the outcomes of care in ambulatory settings: A systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 153(9), 670-679.