MHI-815-INFORMATICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE. Health Information System
PLEASE USE THE READING RESOURCES INCLUDING OTHER OUTSIDE RESOURCES TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT.
Please provide in-text citation of all references used
Instructions:
Based on this week’s readings and the safety measures identified in the text, respond to the following in 600 words
1. What quality improvement measures would you suggest to enhance patient safety and quality within the EHR?
2. What role do you see the APN playing in Quality and Patient Safety initiatives?
3. Explain from a provider perspective what data you would utilize within quality and patient safety initiatives.
READING
McBride and Tietze (2022)
∙ Chapter 9: Workflow Redesign in Quality Improvement
∙ Chapter 20: HIT and Implications for Patient Safety
∙ Chapter 21: Quality Improvement Strategies
Additional resources
∙ Tubaishat, A, (2019).The Effects of Electronic Health Records on Patient Safety Available at: https://northernkentuckyuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=141206600
∙ Cohen et al., (2018). Primary care practices’ abilities and challenges in using electronic health record data for quality improvement Primary Care Practices’ Abilities.pdf ATTACHED
_______________________-
In order to enhance patient safety and quality within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, several quality improvement measures can be implemented. These measures aim to minimize errors, improve communication, and ensure efficient workflow processes. The following suggestions are based on the readings and outside resources:
Standardized Documentation Templates: Implementing standardized documentation templates within the EHR can enhance patient safety and quality by promoting consistent and structured data entry. These templates can include predefined fields for key patient information, such as allergies, medications, and past medical history, ensuring that important details are not overlooked or omitted.
Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Systems: Integrating CDS systems into the EHR can provide real-time guidance and alerts to healthcare providers, helping them make informed decisions and prevent potential errors. CDS systems can offer reminders for preventive screenings, drug-drug interaction alerts, and evidence-based guidelines to support clinical decision-making.
Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA): Implementing BCMA technology can significantly reduce medication errors. By using barcodes on medications and patient identification bracelets, healthcare providers can verify the right medication, dosage, and patient before administering medications, minimizing the risk of medication errors and improving patient safety.
Interoperability and Health Information Exchange (HIE): Enhancing interoperability and promoting HIE among different healthcare organizations allows for seamless exchange of patient information. This enables healthcare providers to access comprehensive patient records, including relevant medical history, test results, and allergies, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.
User-friendly Interface and Training: Designing an intuitive and user-friendly interface for the EHR system is crucial. User training should also be provided to healthcare professionals to ensure they are proficient in navigating the system. This reduces the chances of errors due to incorrect data entry, improves efficiency, and promotes overall patient safety.
Regarding the role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in Quality and Patient Safety initiatives:
Leadership and Advocacy: APNs can play a key role in leading and advocating for quality and patient safety initiatives within healthcare organizations. They can actively participate in developing policies and procedures that promote patient safety, ensuring that best practices are implemented.
Collaboration and Teamwork: APNs can collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance patient safety and quality. They can contribute their clinical expertise, collaborate on developing standardized protocols, and provide education and training to other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Decision-making and Practice: APNs can utilize their advanced knowledge and skills to make informed clinical decisions that prioritize patient safety and quality. They can assess patient data within the EHR, identify potential risks or gaps in care, and implement evidence-based interventions to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
From a provider perspective, several data sources can be utilized within quality and patient safety initiatives:
Clinical Outcome Measures: Providers can analyze clinical outcome measures, such as readmission rates, medication errors, and infection rates, to identify areas that require improvement. This data helps in monitoring the effectiveness of interventions and implementing targeted quality improvement measures.
Adverse Event Reporting: Providers can utilize data from adverse event reporting systems to identify trends or recurring issues that pose risks to patient safety. This data helps in implementing preventive measures and mitigating potential risks.
Patient Feedback and Satisfaction Scores: Providers can analyze patient feedback and satisfaction scores obtained through surveys or patient satisfaction tools within the EHR. This data provides insights into patient experiences and areas for improvement in patient-centered care.
Clinical Practice Guidelines and Evidence-based Research: Providers can utilize data from clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based research embedded within the EHR system. This data supports informed decision-making, ensuring that care is aligned with best practices and current research evidence.
