Answer 2 for NRS 450 Identify the basic concepts of the electronic health record (EHR), mobile health, and telehealth systems in enabling patient care
As a nurse, embracing information and communication technologies (ICTs) is crucial for enhancing patient care and streamlining healthcare processes. These digital systems allow us to access patient information, track medical histories, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in real time. Electronic health information enhances accuracy, reduces paperwork, and facilitates seamless communication across all healthcare settings.
We use electronic systems at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We use it to make care plans, chart, lookup pt past medical histories and to see what other specialties they use. To scan our medications, we use a mobile device (iPhone) that scans the bar code of the medication and directly places on the patients MAR. This device can be used to directly chart vitals if needed, take pictures to send to providers in real time. We also can communicate through this phone with the provider, the VOCERA app allows us to use the phone if needed. This speeds up the communication process and allows people to text rather than call over and over again.
EHRs or Electronic health records are digital versions of a patient’s medical history, maintained by healthcare providers over time. They encompass key administrative and clinical data relevant to a person’s care, including demographics, progress notes, medications, lab results, and more (Rouleau, G., Gagnon, M.-P., & Côté, J. (2015)). EHRs replace paper-based records, allowing efficient access and sharing of patient information between different providers and care facilities. EHRs need to interconnect seamlessly to enable accurate and timely transmission of patient data. Mobile Health refers to healthcare services delivered via mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology such as watches. Mobile health enables remote monitoring, tele-consultations, and self-management of health conditions. These are getting more and more popular in healthcare facilities. WIFI is the reason why hospitals need to have good security systems and precautions. Hackers are wanting to steal information any way they can (Rouleau, G., Gagnon, M.-P., & Côté, J. (2015)).
Health Information Exchange (HIE) plays a crucial role in achieving this interoperability. EHRs enhance care coordination, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare professionals actively participate in planning and selecting EHR technologies. These systems are tested a lot on the people that use them the most, Nurses are the first ones to tell someone if the development is not convenient and easy to use. We work smarter not harder.
