Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2013 - (Page 14)

Better Care through D id you know that access to your medical record could help save your life? Just as the revolution in information technology is changing the way we do business, the way we shop, and even the way we learn, the revolution in health information technology is changing the way we address the health of our communities. Central Carolina Hospital (CCH) is in the process of implementing an electronic health record system that will improve quality of care, reduce medical errors and improve efficiency for patients. the Benefits of Electronic Records 14 | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 “Quick access to a patient’s information can make all the difference in the world when it comes to medical decisions and outcomes,” says Ursula Lawrence, CCH’s chief nursing officer. “Electronic health records (EHRs) allow physicians and nurses to have the most up-to-date information about a patient, much faster than having to work with paper medical records.” In the event of a disaster, EHRs could allow healthcare professionals to access patient histories and avoid compromising patient safety. After the Hurricane Katrina crisis in New Orleans, many medical records were not available or simply lost. Evacuees forgot or misplaced their medications, and some didn’t remember the names of all their medications. With no access to previous medical records, doctors had no way of confirming medications, immunizations, test results and other history. “At CCH, we believe EHRs will bring doctors and patients closer together,” Ursula says. “A patient’s previous imaging or laboratory results can be accessed and compared with current results more quickly. Primary care physicians or specialists who have access to records can provide better follow-up care because they’ll have all the information about a patient’s medical history. A physician or patient won’t be relying on memory. A physician or nurse can provide better care.” Heather Yow, LPN, is trained on the Dash 4000 Monitor by Lisa Sacco, GE Healthcare perioperative clerical specialist team lead. The Dash 4000 has the ability to interface with the electronic health record, automating the documentation of vital signs. Tec From the safety perspective, there will be less room for error. Patients typically rely on written prescription orders, but it’s not always easy to interpret handwriting when it comes to medicine and dosage information. When physicians begin to enter their orders electronically, they will be clearly understood. Implementing electronic health records at CCH CCH is taking a collaborative approach to implementing the new system, hinged by a clinical informaticist who can speak the language of the clinician and the language of IT. Ree Yarnell, RN, is CCH’s clinical informaticist who is working to promote the understanding and integration of the new record system as well as redefining workflow processes. The initial system is expected to be completed in May. “The patient will always be the most important consideration at CCH,” says Ree. “And having EHRs in place allows us to continue to provide safe and effective care without using the paper-based system. They can also help us monitor, improve, and report data on healthcare quality and safety.” Christopher Wood, DO, is our Physician Champion for the project. He is instrumental in exchanging information with all providers to define best practice. “When all care providers are electronic, each physician will be able to access the information they need from all sources to treat their patients more effectively and efficiently. After all, improving our patient outcomes remains the top priority for all of us,” says Dr. Wood. But the health system is not only about software—it’s about hardware as well. Part of the new system will include “workstations on wheels” that roll right up to a patient’s bedside. A physician or a nurse can have immediate access to a patient’s information with just a few keystrokes. “Overall, the system will help us make smarter decisions for the health of our community,” says Ursula. “With better data we can offer even better care. We’re applying the science of gathering information to every area that affects our patient care.”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2013

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2013
Direct From Doug
Contents
Health Beat
Operation Special Delivery
Solving the Mystery
Better Care Through Technology

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2013