Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electronic Medical Records in a Long Term Care Facility Using Process Analysis. Issue 1 (12th April 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cherry, Barbara; Carpenter, Ken
• Is Part Of: Journal of healthcare engineering. Volume 2:Issue 1(2011)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2011-04-12
• Subjects: long-term care -- nursing home -- electronic health record -- process flow analysis; Hospital buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1260/2040-2295.2.1.75
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-2295

Abstract

Abstract : This study was conducted to determine the effect of the electronic medical record (EMR) system on work process efficiencies in a long-term care facility. Apre-post intervention study design was used with process flow analysis conducted as part of the data collection methodology. Work processes were measured through direct observation and recording of steps taken as nurses completed their daily work. Observed work processes were documented in the form of process flow charts. Process flow charts detail every step in a process and provide a unique and accurate method of evaluating the impact that EMR systems have on work flow in the healthcare setting. The study demonstrated that the EMR can lead to a reduction in the number of steps required to complete several daily work processes, allowing nurses the opportunity to dedicate more time to direct care of the facility's residents and thus contribute to improved quality care.