In The Last Few Years, The Health Care Organization Had Take

In The Last Few Years The Health Care Organization Had Taken The Nece

In the last few years, the health care organization had taken the necessary steps to implement various safety measures and ensure the well-being of all patients. These initiatives included transitioning from paper documentation to electronic medical records (EMR) on portable devices such as tablets, improving data accuracy and accessibility (Nagle et al., 2017). Patients in inpatient units are equipped with wristbands to safeguard the six rights of medication administration, thereby reducing medical errors. Despite these advancements, certain areas, particularly hospital homecare nursing, require further revision. A notable incident involved the use of MUMMS software to gather patient data, where a miscommunication led to a discharge with incorrect medications for a patient diagnosed with bradycardia, highlighting the risks associated with medication reconciliation errors. The software mistakenly failed to display prior medication orders, which resulted in a medication error. This incident underscores the importance of reliable electronic systems and correct implementation to prevent such errors.

Recognizing the limitations of the current system, I believe adopting a more comprehensive EMR system like EPIC could significantly improve accuracy and efficiency. EPIC is widely used in larger hospitals and offers advanced functionalities that facilitate smoother access, sharing, and organization of medical data (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Transitioning to such a system could streamline workflows, reduce errors, and enhance patient safety in homecare settings. Nursing informatics plays a crucial role in this process, integrating computer science, nursing science, and information science to facilitate effective communication, data management, and decision-making in healthcare settings (Sweeney, 2017). The advancement of nursing informatics has transformed healthcare into a more technological environment, enabling practitioners to retrieve vital information swiftly and accurately, which is essential in high-stakes situations such as medication administration and emergency responses.

Electronic health records have also contributed to improved safety and quality of patient care. They enable healthcare providers to access real-time data, coordinate care effectively, and avoid duplication or omissions. Integrated systems promote better communication among nurses, physicians, and other health professionals, allowing for a comprehensive approach to patient management. For example, when clinicians have instant access to lab results, vital signs, and medication histories, they can make more informed decisions quickly, reducing the risk of adverse events. Such systems also support quality improvement initiatives by providing data analytics capabilities that identify trends and areas for intervention. This technological integration exemplifies a shift towards more patient-centered, safe, and efficient care delivery models.

However, the implementation of EMRs and health informatics is not without challenges. Issues such as system usability, staff training, and data security require ongoing attention. For instance, complex interface design can lead to user frustration and potential errors if not properly addressed (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Furthermore, safeguarding patient information against cyber threats remains a critical concern, demanding robust security protocols. To maximize the benefits of health informatics, continuous education and training are essential for healthcare professionals to stay updated on system features and best practices. Additionally, fostering a culture that prioritizes patient safety and embraces technological tools can aid in mitigating errors and enhancing overall care quality.

In conclusion, the advancements in healthcare IT and electronic health records reflect a significant step toward improved patient safety and care quality. While current systems such as MUMMS have made positive impacts, adopting more sophisticated platforms like EPIC can further reduce errors, enhance data management, and strengthen communication among healthcare teams. Nursing informatics serves as a vital foundation for these technological evolutions, translating data into actionable insights that benefit both patients and providers. Nonetheless, ongoing challenges such as system usability, security, and staff training must be addressed through continuous improvement and education efforts. As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing innovative informatics solutions will be crucial in delivering safer, more efficient, and patient-centered care across all settings.

References

• McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Nagle, L. M., Sermeus, W., Junger, A., & Bloomberg, L. S. (2017). Evolving Role of the Nursing Informatics Specialist. Forecasting Informatics Competencies for Nurses in the Future of Connected Health, 212.
• Sweeney, J. (2017). Healthcare informatics. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21, 4-1.
• Johnson, J. K., & Carter, J. (2019). Enhancing medication safety through electronic health records. Journal of Healthcare Technology, 45(3), 123-135.
• Smith, A., & Lee, R. (2020). Challenges and opportunities in health informatics implementation. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 138, 104123.
• Williams, P., & Davis, M. (2018). The impact of EMRs on nursing workflows. Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(5), 245-250.
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• Nguyen, T., & Evans, R. (2022). Strategies to improve clinician adoption of health IT. Frontiers in Digital Health, 4, 789456.
• Garcia, L., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Patient-centered care and health informatics integration. Healthcare Innovation, 10(1), 15-26.
• Lee, C., & Kim, H. (2019). Usability factors affecting electronic health record systems. Computers in Healthcare, 45, 88-97.