EMR Goes Bedside
Parkway Medical Center in Alabama has taken the electronic medical record one step further in the emergency room. The facility integrated touch screens mounted adjacent to each of the beds in the emergency room equipped with Electronic Nursing Documentation software developed by Pro-MED Clinical Systems.
As nurses assess and treat patients, they have immediate and convenient access to the patient’s electronic medical records. This supports improved documentation and eliminates difficulties interpreting sloppy handwriting, both can be a significant impediment to timely treatment in the busy emergency setting.
The system can be used to document orders and remind nurses about treatment protocols. The reminder system also prompts nurses to guide patient assessment with specific questions generated for various presenting complaints.
Hospital administrators note patient satisfaction with the system. Clinicians can spend more time directly with patients. Patient time spent being treated in the emergency room has also decreased, as well as wait time.
Parkway plans to roll out software for physicians to document care and order tests and procedures. The system will also be linked to the lab and pharmacy systems.
Related stories:
- IRS Allows EHR Assistance
- Electronic Health Record Expansion
- New York City Implements EMR
- Hospitals Facilitate EMR Adoption
June 7, 2007 Related topics: General Management & Administration, Quality, Safety, Errors, IT & software, Cost savings