NURS FPX 6412 Assessment 1 Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff:Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

NURS FPX 6412 Assessment 1 Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff:Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

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Capella University

NURS-FPX 6412 Analysis of Clinical Information Systems and Application to Nursing Practice

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Date

Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff: Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

Nursing informatics merges nursing science, computer science, and information science to efficiently manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. Implementing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems is a vital aspect of nursing informatics aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of patient care (Arikan et al., 2021). This paper highlights the necessity for well-defined policies and guidelines for the deployment and utilization of an EHR tool, particularly Epic Systems, at St. Paul Regional Health Center. The goal is to offer a detailed policy and guidelines for the efficient use of Epic Systems in clinical settings.

Evaluation of the Function of the Tool Related to Evidence-Based Practice

Epic Systems is an advanced EHR tool that significantly enhances evidence-based practice (EBP) through its functionalities, including instant access to patient information, clinical decision-making support, and integration of evidence-based guidelines at St. Paul Regional Health Center. Real-time access ensures that clinicians can make informed decisions based on the most current patient data, which is essential for avoiding redundant tests and tailoring treatments (Chishtie et al., 2023). The clinical decision support tools within Epic provide alerts and reminders based on the latest research and clinical guidelines, facilitating adherence to EBP and reducing the risk of adverse events (Chishtie et al., 2023). Additionally, the integration of evidence-based guidelines within the system supports the continuous updating of clinical practices, ensuring that patient care aligns with the best available scientific knowledge. Studies have shown that EHR systems like Epic improve hospital performance and enhance patient safety by promoting standardized, high-quality care (Richesson et al., 2021).

Analysis of the Work Setting

At St. Paul Regional Health Center, Epic Systems enhances evidence-based practice (EBP) by streamlining clinical workflows and improving patient care quality. The EHR tool integrates comprehensive patient data, standardized order sets, and clinical decision support, which are essential in a busy hospital setting with diverse patient needs (Withall et al., 2022). Epic Systems provides real-time access to patient records and automated reminders aligned with the latest clinical guidelines, ensuring consistent and accurate information for healthcare providers (Jensen, 2023). This integration supports EBP by reducing errors, improving care coordination, and allowing for continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment protocols based on up-to-date data.

Analysis: How Epic Systems Support the Strategic Plan

Epic Systems aligns with the strategic plan for evidence-based information use at St. Paul Regional Health Center by providing a comprehensive platform that integrates patient data, clinical guidelines, and decision support tools. For example, the system’s embedded Clinical Decision Support (CDS) alerts assist healthcare providers in adhering to evidence-based guidelines for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes (Withall et al., 2022). These alerts prompt providers to follow recommended protocols for HbA1c testing and glucose monitoring based on the latest research. This capability supports the hospital’s strategic goals by ensuring that care is both timely and aligned with best practices, thereby improving clinical outcomes and enhancing patient care quality (Arikan et al., 2021). By consolidating and analyzing patient data, Epic Systems enables data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives, aligning with St. Paul Regional Health Center’s objectives of delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Assessment: Workflow to Maximize Efficiency and Safe Practice

Epic Systems enhances workflows at St. Paul Regional Health Center by automating order entries, medication administration, and patient data collection. For example, automated order sets and real-time clinical decision support tools reduce manual documentation and ensure adherence to evidence-based guidelines (Withall et al., 2022). This streamlining minimizes redundant tasks and decreases the likelihood of errors, thereby promoting a safer and more efficient care environment. By integrating patient data and facilitating communication among care teams, Epic Systems aligns with evidence-based practice, optimizing both patient safety and care quality.

Assessment of Epic Systems: Interprofessional Care and Patient Satisfaction 

Epic Systems improves interprofessional care and patient satisfaction at St. Paul Regional Health Center by giving all healthcare providers instant access to patient information and clinical decision-making support. This integrated approach supports coordinated care, with studies showing that hospitals using EHR systems like Epic experience a 15% reduction in medication errors and a 10% increase in adherence to clinical guidelines (Ratwani, 2020). The system’s patient portal also contributes to increased patient engagement, with research indicating that patients who use online portals are 30% more likely to follow up on care recommendations and have a 20% higher satisfaction rate with their overall care (Jensen, 2023).

Conclusion

Epic Systems improves patient care at St. Paul Regional Health Center by offering instant access to patient information and clinical decision-making support. It helps streamline workflows, reduce errors, and support evidence-based practices. The system aligns with the hospital’s goals and enhances decision-making. It also promotes better teamwork among healthcare providers and increases patient satisfaction. Overall, Epic Systems contributes to better care and efficient hospital operations.

References

Arikan, F., Kara, H., Erdogan, E., & Ulker, F. (2021). Barriers to adoption of electronic health record systems from the perspective of nurses. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, Publish Ahead of Print(4). https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000848 

Bansler, J. P. (2021). Challenges in user-driven optimization of EHR: A case study of a large Epic implementation in Denmark. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 148, 104394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104394 

Chishtie, J., Sapiro, N., Wiebe, N., Rabatach, L., Lorenzetti, D., Leung, A. A., Rabi, D., Quan, H., & Eastwood, C. A. (2023). Use of Epic electronic health record system for health care research: Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25(1), e51003. https://doi.org/10.2196/51003 

Jensen, M. (2023). EHR Integration: Importance, benefits, challenges and best practices | DemandHub. https://www.demandhub.co/articles/ehr-integration/ 

Ratwani, R. M. (2020). Electronic Health Records and improved patient care: Opportunities for applied psychology. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(4), 359–365. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721417700691 

NURS FPX 6412 Assessment 1 Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff:Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

Richesson, R. L., Marsolo, K. S., Douthit, B. J., Staman, K., Ho, P. M., Dailey, D., Boyd, A. D., McTigue, K. M., Ezenwa, M. O., Schlaeger, J. M., Patil, C. L., Faurot, K. R., Tuzzio, L., Larson, E. B., O’Brien, E. C., Zigler, C. K., Lakin, J. R., Pressman, A. R., Braciszewski, J. M., & Grudzen, C. (2021). Enhancing the use of EHR systems for pragmatic embedded research: Lessons from the NIH Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 28(12). https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocab202   

Withall, J. B., Schwartz, J. M., Usseglio, J., & Cato, K. D. (2022). A scoping review of integrated medical devices and clinical decision support in the acute care setting. Applied Clinical Informatics, 13(05), 1223–1236. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1759513 

Appendix

Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of Epic Systems, an Electronic Health Record (EHR) tool, to ensure the effective and efficient management of patient data, adherence to evidence-based practices, and enhancement of patient care quality at St. Paul Regional Health Center. This policy applies to all healthcare professionals, administrative staff, and IT personnel who interact with the Epic Systems EHR platform within the organization (Bansler, 2021).

Policy

• All patient data must be accurately and promptly entered into Epic Systems. Real-time access to patient information is mandatory to facilitate informed decision-making and avoid redundant testing.

• Epic Systems’ Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools must be used to guide clinical practice based on the latest evidence-based guidelines (Withall et al., 2022). Providers are required to review and act on CDS alerts to ensure compliance with best practices.

• Epic Systems should be integrated into all relevant clinical workflows to enhance efficiency and safety. Automated order entries, medication administration, and patient data collection must be utilized to reduce manual documentation and minimize errors.

• The EHR system must support interprofessional care by providing all healthcare providers with instant access to patient information and promoting coordinated and comprehensive patient care (Ratwani, 2020).

• Utilize Epic Systems’ patient portal to enhance patient engagement. Encourage patients to use the portal to access their health information, schedule appointments, and follow up on care recommendations.

Guidelines

• Ensure that all healthcare providers and staff have appropriate access to Epic Systems and the Electronic Health Record (EHR) module based on their roles, and complete required training programs to familiarize themselves with the system’s features and functionalities.

• ccurately enter patient information and clinical data into Epic Systems, ensuring all details are up-to-date and complete. Document all patient interactions, including assessments, treatment plans, and communications, directly in the EHR.

• Use Epic’s Clinical Decision Support tools and automated order sets to enhance care and reduce errors.

• Share patient information securely with authorized team members through the EHR.

• Support patients in using the Epic patient portal for managing appointments and communication.

• Maintain EHR security and confidentiality by following HIPAA guidelines.

• Perform regular updates and report technical issues to IT support.

• Integrate Epic with other systems for effective data exchange.

• Use Epic’s billing module to manage patient charges and insurance claims.

• Seek ongoing training and feedback to improve system use and performance.

NURS FPX 6412 Assessment 1 Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff:Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice