Health Information in Nursing Practice

 

 

 

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Health Information in Nursing Practice

Electronic Healthcare Records

Health information is essential for the nursing practice as it involves the collection, organization, and dissemination of data facilitating enlightened decision-making and the provision of quality care. Access to valid and timely health information has become more effective as compared to the past as there is an improvement in the use of electronic health records (Shi et al., 2020), as in the healthcare industry, nurses play a vital role in the management of health information. This essay aims to explore the differences between electronic health record implementation, adoption, and optimization, the concept of an electronic health record migration path, look at how an electronic health record is not a single application or computer device but a complex set of software and hardware, and finally the benefits of a patient portal to patients in a healthcare organization.

The Differences between Electronic Health Record Implementation, Adoption, and Optimization

Electronic health records can differ in many ways, including implementation, adoption, and optimization. Electronic health record implementation is introducing an electronic health record system into a healthcare organization. It involves selecting and installing an electronic health record system, designing it to meet the organization’s needs, and educating staff on its use (Parks et al., 2019). Electronic health record adoption is how healthcare providers and staff use the electronic health record system to support patient care. Electronic health record adoption involves data entry, retrieval, and documentation while using an electronic health record system. Optimization in the electronic health record is the continuing process of improving the functionality and performance of an electronic health record to improve its suitability and efficiency (Murphy et al., 2019). Electronic health record optimization involves customization, redesigning workflow, and training the user to ensure that the system meets the organization’s needs and supports high-quality patient care. Electronic health record implementation ensures that the system is running and getting it up. At the same time, adoption is the extent to which the system is used, and optimization improves the efficiency and functionality rate of the system.

The Concept of Electronic Health Record Migration Path

An electronic health record migration path is shifting patient health information from one electronic health record system to another. This process is appropriate when upgrading to a new electronic health record or shifting vendors in a healthcare organization. An electronic health record migration path entails a cautious and organized approach to ensuring patient data is secured and accurately transferred between systems (Butpheng et al., 2020). This process also involves assessing the prevailing data in the current electronic health record, mapping the data to the new system, converting the data to the new format, and authenticating the data ensuring integrity. A properly developed electronic migration path is essential in maintaining patient care progress and ensuring that healthcare providers have access to perfect and updated patient information.

Electronic Health Record as a Complex Set of Software and Hardware

The electronic health record is not a single application or computer device but a complex set of software and hardware working together to manage patient health information digitally. Electronic health record system includes many elements, including clinical documentation software, patient portals, laboratory and imaging systems, and billing and coding modules (Pai et al., 2021). These elements are depicted to work together consistently, allowing store access and patient data management securely and efficiently for healthcare providers. The hardware is needed to support an electronic health record system, and it can be complex, including servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. Electronic health record system complies with various regulatory requirements and industry standards, adding to their complexity. The electronic health record is a polished system requiring careful planning, implementation, and management to meet the needs of the patients and healthcare providers.

Benefits of a Patient Portal to Patients in a Healthcare Organization

A patient portal is an online platform enabling a patient to access their health records and securely communicate with their healthcare providers, and it may have many benefits to a patient in a healthcare organization. The first benefit of a patient portal is that it allows patients to control their health information by viewing their medical records, including lab test results, medication history, and diagnosis reports (Alpert et al., 2018). This enables patients to track their health progress, ensuring their treatment plan is followed. In addition, patients can schedule appointments and request prescription refills online without visiting hospitals. A patient portal enables patient to communicate with their healthcare providers, asking them questions and getting a timely response. A patient portal minimizes the need for face-to-face appointments, saving time and improving patient-provider relationships. A patient portal is essential as it amplifies patient engagement, empowerment, and convenience.

Conclusion

Health information management is a critical feature of nursing practice. Electronic health record implementation, adoption, and optimization are important ways of acquiring efficient health information management. The concept of an electronic health record migration path enables healthcare organizations’ conversion from paper-based records to electronic records with minimal disruption. An electronic health record is not a single application or computer device but a complex set of software and hardware requiring good management and maintenance. A patient portal is essential to a patient as it contains many benefits, including improved access to medical records, appointment scheduling, and communication with healthcare providers. Well-implemented and utilized electronic health record and patient portal improves patient outcomes and enhances healthcare delivery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Alpert, J. M., Morris, B. B., Thomson, M. D., Matin, K., & Brown, R. F. (2018). Implications of patient portal transparency in oncology: qualitative interview study on the experiences of patients, oncologists, and medical informaticists. JMIR cancer, 4(1), e8993.

Butpheng, C., Yeh, K. H., & Xiong, H. (2020). Security and privacy in IoT-cloud-based e-health systems—A comprehensive review. Symmetry, 12(7), 1191. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12071191

Murphy, D. R., Giardina, T. D., Satterly, T., Sittig, D. F., & Singh, H. (2019). An exploration of barriers, facilitators, and suggestions for improving electronic health record inbox-related usability: a qualitative analysis. JAMA Network Open, 2(10), e1912638-e1912638.

Pai, M. M., Ganiga, R., Pai, R. M., & Sinha, R. K. (2021). Standard electronic health record (EHR) framework for the Indian healthcare system. Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology, 21(3), 339-362. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10742-020-00238-0

Parks, R., Wigand, R. T., Othmani, M. B., Serhier, Z., & Bouhaddou, O. (2019). Electronic health records implementation in Morocco: Challenges of silo efforts and recommendations for improvements. International journal of medical informatics, 129, 430-437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.05.026

Shi, S., He, D., Li, L., Kumar, N., Khan, M. K., & Choo, K. K. R. (2020). Applications of blockchain in ensuring the security and privacy of electronic health record systems: A survey. Computers & Security, 97, 101966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2020.101966

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