NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 8012 Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems

Prof. Name

Date

SAFER GUIDES IMPLEMENTATION AT SELECT SPECIALTY HOSPITAL SAN DIEGO: ENHANCING EPIC EHR EFFICIENCY

At Select Specialty Hospital San Diego, the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system of choice is Epic, an integral component of their critical illness recovery and long-term care services.

Background and Facility Overview

Situated in downtown San Diego with a capacity of 110 beds, this facility specializes in providing acute healthcare settings for patients to recover in various aspects such as speech, eating, walking, breathing, and thinking independently. Epic has been successfully employed at this hospital for the past five years, contributing significantly to patient care.

Importance of HIPAA Compliance and Best Practices

Despite the efficacy of Epic as an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, it is imperative for nursing staff to enhance their knowledge regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, privacy concerns, security rules, and best practice guidelines to ensure the integrity and security of patients’ data.

Role of HealthIT SAFER Guides

The HealthIT SAFER Guides play a pivotal role in identifying not only data security and integrity risks but also other risks associated with technology implementation. Comprising nine guides organized into foundational, infrastructural, and clinical process categories, SAFER Guides assist healthcare professionals in optimizing technology to meet organizational needs.

Integration of Epic EHR System

The selection of Epic as an integrated EHR system aligns with the preferences of large hospitals and healthcare systems across the United States due to its ability to store, assess, organize, and share electronic medical records effectively (Day, 2016). The utilization of Epic has proven to enhance patient security and profitability.

Benefits of Epic EHR System

Epic simplifies charting processes and enables a single chart for different specialties in patient care, such as emergency departments, inpatient care, and clinics. Additionally, the system features MyChart, a patient portal tool, empowering patients to access their medical records, communicate with clinicians, schedule appointments, and even participate in online visits (Day, 2016). Involving patients in their care contributes significantly to improving the overall quality of healthcare.

Evaluation of Technology with SAFER Guides

The evaluation of technology and its impact within the healthcare organization involves utilizing SAFER Guides to assess various areas, including patient identification, test results reporting and follow-up, and clinician communication (HealthIT.gov, 2018).

Challenges and Areas for Improvement in Epic System

Notably, the Epic system aids in patient identification by integrating duplicate records into a comprehensive file, employing a matching algorithm for key demographics to prevent duplication. However, challenges exist in the area of test results reporting and follow-up, particularly with send-out tests not being electronically traced.

Ethical and Legal Considerations in EHR Technology

In addressing ethical and legal concerns related to health care technology, the use of electronic health records, including Epic, brings innovation but also increases clinicians’ legal responsibilities. It is essential for providers to chart in a timely manner, recognizing the potential legal implications of their actions.

Conclusion: Emphasizing the Importance of SAFER Guides

In conclusion, mastering the use of SAFER Guides is crucial for healthcare workers to identify and mitigate risks in healthcare settings. Collaboration between clinicians and IT teams, along with a commitment to creating a safer and more efficient healthcare delivery system, is essential for improving patient outcomes.

References

Day, J. A. (2016, September 23). Why epic. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/epic/why_epic/

Safer guides. HealthIT.gov. (2018, November 28). Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.healthit.gov/topic/safety/safer-guides

NURS FPX 8012 Assessment 3 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage