NewsLine — September 2009 - (Page 16)

continued from previous page help to avoid medication errors created by incorrect spelling and use of improper abbreviations, in addition to eliminating the need to interpret handwriting. Tips on Implementation Be creative in designing how staff will use the software. It is unrealistic to expect that staff members will make the switch in a matter of days. I found that suggesting a gradual transition has been helpful. I encourage nurses to try opening the software to enter vital signs and a pain evaluation on their fi rst visit and adding a little more documentation to each visit as they become more familiar with the tool. POC Documentation: A ‘Technophobe’ Signs On By Pat Gibbons, BSN, CHPN I n a recent issue of TIME magazine that featured a cover story about Twitter, the magazine’s managing editor observed that “new forms of communication are changing the way we relate to one another” and cited how the telephone, television, and Internet have done that in ways we are still processing. However, he also noted that technology itself is neutral. It is a tool, neither good nor evil. It all comes down to how we use it. One might ask how this relates to hospice and palliative care? Do we not pride ourselves on being “low tech, high touch”? How does each of us view technology—as a benefit or a burden, as good or evil? Most staff will agree that some forms of technology have been extremely valuable in helping us provide quality care in difficult circumstances. One example is the analgesic infusion pump. This small pump enhances a patient’s quality of life by providing a sense of freedom while still maintaining high-quality pain control. This can easily be seen as a good technology. Many programs have also utilized electronic billing for years; some may consider this a benefit while others may consider it a burden. Reevaluate your processes from time to time and seek input from staff regarding what works well and what needs improvement. We have tried to describe to staff members how to incorporate the laptop into their visits, but have found it best to have someone accompany them to help them get started. Identifying “super users” or a buddy system will help to support staff. Having a cheerleader behind them will help to build confidence and reduce stress. Recognize that end-users are at many levels of comfort with technology, so be sure that all staff have the basic knowledge to work with computers. Many of our staff members are seasoned hospice employees, but call themselves “technologically challenged” and need some basic training on the front end. So I go back to the perception that POC documentation is a barrier to quality care. In truth, not having the most up-to-date information on our patients at the bedside is the real barrier. Jill Cornwell was a home care nurse for Alive Hospice (based in Nashville, TN) for 14 years. She assumed the role of health information educator in 2007 due to her strong interest in adopting EMR and, in May of this year, was promoted to director of health information management. More and more programs are also transitioning to point-of-care (POC) documentation for hospice clinical staff. For many the transition has been rocky. Many clinical staff perceive computers in the home as barriers to relationship-building and even to care. While Jill Cornwell’s article offers helpful guidance on the best ways to introduce resistant staff to this new tool, let me provide perspective as a true “technophobe.” Focus on the Benefit to Patients and Families For many, the resistance may be related to change and the need to learn new skills. However, for patients and families, the change may be of little notice. It is important to keep in mind that end-of-life care is not the only area of healthcare that is using an electronic system to document care. In fact, I would hazard a guess that we are one of the last areas to introduce this system. Families are used to computers in other areas, so why not in hospice and palliative care? Families have told me that it gives them a sense of security to know that “things get put down so you don’t have to go over the story again and again.” Families have also said that the computer is like having “instant recall”—there is a record of the last visit in which the staff person was present. Patients and families 16 NewsLine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NewsLine — September 2009

NewsLine - September 2009
Contents
Introduction
Archstone Foundation Grant: Exploring the Role of Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
Working for a Greener Future
Transforming Care at the Bedside
Point of Care Documentation: Perception Versus Reality
A Technophobe Signs On
Utilizing Volunteers More Fully
HIPAA and Technology: Some Considerations
Keeping the Attending Physician Involved

NewsLine — September 2009

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