An electronic health record system refers to the digital version representation of a patient’s paper chart. They are used in hospitals in retrieving and storing patient records and health information. They also aid in communicating with patients online and reminding the health care workers on scheduled activities and lab results. There are two types of health record systems; physician-hosted and remotely hosted. This article mainly discusses the design and recommendations to be followed to set a suitable electronic health record system.
Organization
Any organization requires a relevant system that will enable the smooth flow of various activities. The method depends on the organization’s stakeholders, its goals, and size. The healthcare organization in discussion is Alpha, and its size is medium. Its main aim is to consider the transformation from its outmoded blend of paper documentation and electronic scheduling systems to a stronger HER that will contain all its service lines. It should also be user-friendly adequately not to separate its committed staff. It has 150 beds, where five are designated for intensive care needs. The emergency department is defined as a level 3 trauma center. The assigned care areas are for outpatient surgery, orthopedic surgery, women’s health, pediatrics, and cardiology. The auxiliary service lines consist of 5 family practice clinics, two internal medicine clinics, one cardiology clinic, one orthopedic and sports medicine clinic, one eye care clinic, one women’s clinic, and one pediatric clinic. Additionally, Alpha provides outpatient improvement services and social welfare activities.
Certified HER Chosen
The epic systems are the certified EHR chosen in the hospital as it suits the organization’s needs. This is because it is cost-effective in terms of maintenance and stores patient’s data securely. It also operates with a wide range of features like electronic connectivity and communication, order management, and template-based data entry. It has a patient portal and a variety of cloud host systems.
CMS Regulations
The system satisfies the CMS regulations in a variety of ways. It protects the rights of the patients. For example, when a patient discloses information to the doctor, it is stored and not easily assessable by outsiders. The portals also allow patients to easily access information (“How to select an EHR vendor,” 2021). For example, when they want to know their medical history, they can log in to the portal and get it there. They can also monitor the trend of their diseases without forgetting some information. And in case of any dangerous direction, they can get recommendations on what to do to regain their health.
Support of Patient-Centered Technology
The EHR selected can easily be used to support patient-centered technology. It does through by the communication done between patients and doctors online using portals. The patients become aware of how to retrieve their records hence improving self-monitoring. It reduces medication errors that might be made during the treatment process leading to severe complications. Patient-centered care is also increased, causing them to be more responsible for their health.
Type of EHR Selected
To establish a suitable EHR system, one must decide on where to store data efficiently. The Physician-hosted system is the one chosen because of its efficiency over the remotely hosted systems. It best suits the organization since they are cheap and do not require overhead costs such as software (Adler, 2021). They have higher security of data hence protecting the privacy of patients. They have better performances as they are located within site and do not require the internet to access information.
EHR Selection: Peripherals
One user interface design recommended to be included in the HER system is the voice user interface to allow patients interaction with the machines. This will increase data security by allowing voice passwords. This will allow flexibility of the equipment to both the healthcare providers and the patients (“How do I select a vendor? | HealthIT.gov”, 2021). Efficiency will be increased and, therefore, better cooperation among the stakeholders. Generally, it will create a conducive emotional and physically comfortable environment.
Data Entry
Data entry is done directly into the database using a keyboard. Form design creation enables the patients to input and submits their data online through the created websites. Screen design calls for the use of a practical layout and attractive colors to make the information appealing. To ensure the data is completed, it must be saved, and the documents given must be scanned. Finally, reports must be generated, and also backing up the information is essential for easy retrieval if it gets lost. Data analyzed in graph form on the screen can be used to give quick trends, for example, when taking pressure records of a patient.
Testing
Testing helps in identifying problems likely to be associated with the system and making necessary adjustments. The appropriate approach for testing used is integration testing. It involves the working of the hardware, including the input devices such as the mouse and keyboards. The printer should be able to print out clear documents and reports. The papers must be appropriately scanned, and barcodes must also be scanned with ease. The rooms set aside for setting the devices must comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations, be clean, ventilated, and secure installed sockets.
Education and Training
The training process is crucial in ensuring that the working staff is aware of operating the various machines. Instructors should be conversant with what they are demonstrating and should be confident when doing the exercise. He must know how to control the learners, especially the adults who might be curious about operating the computers to avoid damages. They can also learn from one another by sharing what each of them knows. If possible, they must be motivated to learn since some people lack interest in technology developments.
Planning for Training
For the training process to be a success, it must follow a detailed procedure that begins with the preparedness of the trainer. He should develop objectives, developing the training, and implementing it. A schedule should be created, giving room for everyone to avoid discrimination. The learning objectives must be attained at the end of the program to make the training a success. A training location is chosen to be either online or face to face in a computer room if available. The resources needed must be collected before the day, and the plan of training must be sent to the learners to make them aware of the topic. During the training, the instructor must prepare the class by setting up the necessary software and ensure the room is comfortable for both participants. The evaluation is done to determine whether the set objectives were attained, and finally, the documentation training is done for future references.
References
Adler, K. (2021). How to select an electronic health record system. Web.
How do I select a vendor (2021). How do I select avendor?Healthit.gov.
How to select an EHR vendor. (2021). How to select an EHR vendor. Ehrinpractice.com.