Nursing informatics

Nursing informatics improves patient-centered care, promote health and communication. “Nursing informatics is a field of nursing that incorporates nursing, computer, and information sciences to maintain and develop medical data and systems to support the practice of nursing, and to improve patient care outcomes” (Registerednursing.org, 2018).

What technology does your facility use?

My facility uses Cerner medical software “Cerner’s powerful, intelligent Electronic Medical Record (EMR) delivers the most comprehensive set of capabilities in the industry” (Cerner.com, 2018). Cerner is user-friendly, allows us to scan patients armband prior to scanning medications, reducing medication administration errors. It also has built-in alerts for sepsis, fall risk, wound care and protocols in place for chest-pain, hypo/hyperglycemia, electrolyte imbalance etc.

How has it improved patient care or outcomes?

This technology allows easy access to vital signs, medical records, laboratory results, imaging, medication list, allergies, and progress notes. By integrating this information health care providers can improve patient care outcomes by reducing medical errors. The system is accessible to physicians from the privacy of their homes; which helps optimize patient safety and improve quality of care.

What can be done to make it more useful or to further improve patient care or outcomes?

To further improve the patient care it would be helpful if Cerner had the capability to roll over information from previous admissions. Medical history, medication list, allergy, PCP, pharmacy etc, not having to input this information on re-admissions would save time and allow nurses more time for patient care.