NURS FPX 8030 Assessment 3 Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature
NURS FPX 8030 Assessment 3 Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature
Name
Capella university
NURS-FPX 8030 Evidence-Based Practice Process for the Nursing Doctoral Learner
Prof. Name
Date
Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature: Importance of EHR to Improve Patient Safety
Introduction
Patient safety is a critical aspect of healthcare, given the severe consequences of preventable errors and adverse events (Sousa et al., 2019). Electronic Health Records (EHRs), while intended to enhance safety and efficiency, can introduce risks if not properly utilized. This appraisal examines the impact of EHRs on patient safety and explores strategies to mitigate associated risks (Tubaishat, 2019). Specifically, it addresses the question: How do EHRs influence patient safety, and what interventions can improve their safe usage? The central argument is that EHRs can enhance safety by providing timely and accurate patient information but require proper implementation to avoid potential harm. Evidence-based strategies, such as rigorous data entry protocols and user training, are essential to realize these benefits.
Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates clinical expertise with the best available research and patient preferences to ensure high-quality care. This systematic approach includes methods such as randomized controlled trials, qualitative and quantitative research, and expert evaluations. EBP not only improves care delivery but also assists clinicians in making informed decisions based on patient-specific characteristics and clinical insights. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool is used in this paper to critically appraise interventions, particularly those aimed at improving EHR-related patient safety. This tool’s utility in assessing research bias ensures a thorough examination of interventions and their outcomes (Farrah et al., 2019).
Proposed Interventions for Improving Patient Safety
Three key interventions to improve patient safety in EHR usage emerge from the reviewed literature:
- Strict Data Entry Protocols: Errors in patient care often stem from improper data entry. Implementing mandatory guidelines for entering and verifying data can reduce these risks (Shim et al., 2019).
- Comprehensive User Training: Continuous education and training for EHR users ensure familiarity with system updates and best practices, minimizing errors and boosting confidence among users (Koppel et al., 2016).
- Enhancing EHR Usability: Making systems more intuitive and user-friendly decreases the likelihood of errors and improves overall efficiency, thereby enhancing patient safety.
Table: Summary of Key Aspects
| Heading | Description | Supporting Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Importance of EHR in Patient Safety | EHRs provide timely and accurate access to patient data, improving care delivery. However, improper use can increase risks. | Sousa et al. (2014); Tubaishat (2019); Yanamadala et al. (2016) |
| Evidence-Based Practice Tools | EBP involves systematic evaluation using tools like the Cochrane Risk of Bias to ensure unbiased and reliable research on interventions. | Farrah et al. (2019); Meeks et al. (2014) |
| Proposed Interventions | Key interventions include strict data entry protocols, comprehensive user training, and enhancing EHR usability to maximize safety benefits while minimizing risks. | Koppel et al. (2005); Shim et al. (2019); Tanner et al. (2015) |
Conclusion
The reviewed studies demonstrate the dual potential of EHRs to enhance and endanger patient safety. While EHRs provide critical tools for accurate and efficient patient data management, their effectiveness hinges on proper implementation and user practices. Evidence-based interventions such as data entry protocols, user training, and usability enhancements can significantly improve patient safety outcomes. Adopting these strategies, tailored to the specific needs of healthcare organizations, is essential to mitigate risks and leverage the full potential of EHR systems.
References
Ford, E. W., Silvera, G. A., Kazley, A. S., Diana, M. L., & Huerta, T. R. (2016). Assessing the relationship between patient safety culture and EHR strategy. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 29(6), 614–627. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-10-2015-0125
Farrah, K., Young, K., Tunis, M. C., & Zhao, L. (2019). Risk of Bias Tools in Systematic Reviews of Health Interventions: An Analysis of PROSPERO-registered Protocols. Systematic Reviews, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-1172-8
Koppel R., Metlay JP., Cohen A., et al. (2005). Role of Computerized Physician Order Entry Systems in Facilitating Medication Errors. JAMA, 293(10), 1197–1203. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.293.10.1197
Li, E., Clarke, J., Ashrafian, H., Darzi, A., & Neves, A. L. (2022). The Impact of Electronic Health Record Interoperability on Safety and Quality of Care in High-Income Countries: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(9), e38144. https://doi.org/10.2196/38144
NURS FPX 8030 Assessment 3 Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature
Meeks, D. W., Takian, A., Sittig, D. F., Singh, H., & Barber, N. (2014). Exploring the Sociotechnical Intersection of Patient Safety and Electronic Health Record Implementation. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 21(e1), e28–e34. https://doi.org/10.1136/amiajnl-2013-001762
Shim, J. S., Barden, J. M., & Kang, J. H. (2019). The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Patient Safety: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(6), 687–698. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocy08
Sousa, P., Uva, A. S., Serranheira, F., Nunes, C., & Leite, E. S. (2014). Estimating the Incidence of Adverse Events in Portuguese Hospitals: A Contribution to Improving Quality and Patient Safety. BMC Health Services Research, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-14-311
Tanner, C., Gans, D., White, J., Nath, R., & Pohl, J. (2015). Electronic Health Records and Patient Safety: Co-occurrence of Early EHR Implementation with Patient Safety Practices in Primary Care Settings. Applied Clinical Informatics, 6(1), 136–147. https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-11-RA-0099
NURS FPX 8030 Assessment 3 Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Literature
Tubaishat, A. (2019). The Effect of Electronic Health Records on Patient Safety: A Qualitative Exploratory Study. Informatics for Health and Social Care, 44(1), 79-91.
Yanamadala, S., Morrison, D., Curtin, C., McDonald, K., & Hernandez-Boussard, T. (2016). Electronic Health Records and Quality of Care: An Observational Study Modeling Impact on Mortality, Readmissions, and Complications. Medicine, 95(19), e3332. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000003332