NURS FPX 6412 Assessment 1 Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff:Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 6412 Analysis of Clinical Information Systems and Application to Nursing Practice

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Date

Policy and Guidelines for the Informatics Staff: Making Decisions to Use Informatics Systems in Practice

Introduction

Nursing informatics integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge effectively in nursing practice. A central component of this integration is the implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, such as Epic Systems, which aim to improve patient care quality and efficiency (Arikan et al., 2021). This document outlines a detailed policy and guidelines for utilizing Epic Systems at St. Paul Regional Health Center, ensuring the system’s effective implementation and alignment with evidence-based practices.

Policy, Evaluation, and Strategic Support

Policy

The policy focuses on establishing guidelines to enhance efficiency and improve care quality using Epic Systems. It mandates accurate data entry, the use of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools, and patient engagement through the system’s portal. The policy emphasizes integrating Epic into clinical workflows, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring system security. Training for healthcare providers is required to familiarize them with the system’s functionalities (Bansler, 2021).

Evaluation of the Tool

Epic Systems facilitates evidence-based practice (EBP) by offering real-time patient data access, clinical decision-making support, and integration of evidence-based guidelines. For instance, clinicians at St. Paul Regional Health Center benefit from automated reminders and alerts that enhance compliance with best practices, reduce adverse events, and improve patient safety (Chishtie et al., 2023). Studies have shown that EHR systems enhance hospital performance by standardizing high-quality care and supporting continuous updates to clinical guidelines (Richesson et al., 2021).

Support for Strategic Plans

Epic Systems aligns with the hospital’s strategic goals by integrating evidence-based guidelines and patient data. Embedded CDS alerts prompt providers to follow recommended protocols, such as those for diabetes management, ensuring adherence to evidence-based care (Withall et al., 2022). This capability facilitates timely, high-quality care, supporting the hospital’s objectives of improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction (Arikan et al., 2021).

Analysis, Workflow, and Interprofessional Impact

Work Setting Analysis

At St. Paul Regional Health Center, Epic Systems significantly enhances EBP by streamlining workflows and supporting comprehensive data integration. By providing standardized order sets and automated reminders, the system ensures healthcare providers have access to accurate, up-to-date information (Jensen, 2023). This promotes care coordination, reduces errors, and optimizes treatment protocols based on the latest clinical data.

Workflow Efficiency and Safety

Epic Systems automates processes like order entry and medication administration, minimizing manual documentation and reducing the likelihood of errors. This streamlining enhances both safety and efficiency, aligning clinical workflows with evidence-based practices (Withall et al., 2022). The result is a care environment that prioritizes patient safety while maximizing operational efficiency.

Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient Satisfaction

Epic Systems fosters interprofessional care by granting instant access to patient data for all authorized healthcare providers. The system’s CDS tools support team-based decision-making, reducing medication errors and improving adherence to clinical guidelines (Ratwani, 2020). Furthermore, the patient portal enhances patient engagement and satisfaction, with research indicating higher follow-up rates and improved overall care satisfaction among portal users (Jensen, 2023).

Table: Summary of Policy and Guidelines

Heading	Key Details	References
Policy	Accurate data entry, use of CDS tools, and patient portal engagement.	Bansler, 2021
Evaluation and Strategic Support	Epic facilitates EBP through real-time data access and evidence-based alerts, aligning with hospital goals.	Chishtie et al., 2023; Withall et al., 2022; Arikan et al., 2021
Workflow and Collaboration	Automates tasks to enhance efficiency and safety, promotes interprofessional care, and boosts patient satisfaction.	Ratwani, 2020; Jensen, 2023

Conclusion

Epic Systems significantly contributes to improved patient care at St. Paul Regional Health Center by supporting evidence-based practices, enhancing workflows, and fostering interprofessional collaboration. By aligning with strategic goals, the system ensures high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care.

References

Arikan, F., Kara, H., Erdogan, E., & Ulker, F. (2021). Barriers to adoption of electronic health record systems from the perspective of nurses. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, Publish Ahead of Print(4). https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000848

Bansler, J. P. (2021). Challenges in user-driven optimization of EHR: A case study of a large Epic implementation in Denmark. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 148, 104394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104394

Chishtie, J., Sapiro, N., Wiebe, N., Rabatach, L., Lorenzetti, D., Leung, A. A., Rabi, D., Quan, H., & Eastwood, C. A. (2023). Use of Epic electronic health record system for health care research: Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25(1), e51003. https://doi.org/10.2196/51003