Select one of the below-listed topics to use for your final project. Submit topic choice and a minimum of THREE references related to your topic to your instructor for approval. References should be five years or less since publication and be listed in the current APA Style. No Blog sites, WIKI, or another school of nursing references, please.
Topic: The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Patient Safety
References:
1. Bates, D. W., Gawande, A. A. (2003). Improving safety with information technology. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2526-2534. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMsa020847
2. Cresswell, K., Sheikh, A. (2013). Organizational issues in the implementation and adoption of health information technology innovations: An interpretative review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 82(5), e73-e86. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2013.12.011
3. Georgiou, A., Prgomet, M., Hyppönen, H., et al. (2017). The impact of health information technology on patient safety. The Milbank Quarterly, 95(3), 562-590. DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12267
Introduction:
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized healthcare delivery by streamlining documentation, enabling real-time access to patient information, and facilitating inter-professional communication. This advancement in information technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance patient safety. However, the implementation and utilization of EHR systems can also introduce new risks and challenges. This paper aims to explore the impact of EHRs on patient safety and discuss the organizational factors that contribute to their successful implementation.
Literature Review:
Over the past decade, there has been considerable research conducted on the impact of EHRs on patient safety. Bates and Gawande (2003) highlight the potential of EHRs to reduce medication errors, improve communication, and enhance clinical decision-making. They discuss the importance of implementing computerized physician order entry systems, clinical decision support systems, and medication administration systems, which can help mitigate errors and adverse drug events.
Cresswell and Sheikh (2013) focus on the organizational issues surrounding the implementation and adoption of EHRs. They argue that successful implementation requires addressing various challenges such as resistance to change, lack of interoperability, and training needs. The authors suggest that organizational culture, leadership support, and effective change management strategies play a crucial role in ensuring the effective use of EHRs and optimizing patient safety outcomes.
Georgiou et al. (2017) provide a comprehensive review of the impact of health information technology on patient safety. They discuss the potential benefits of EHRs, including improved access to patient information, reduced medication errors, decreased adverse events, and improved care coordination. However, they also highlight the potential risks and unintended consequences, such as alert fatigue, information overload, and potential for technology-related errors. The authors emphasize the need for ongoing evaluation, user-centered design, and collaborative approaches to address these challenges and maximize the benefits of EHRs for patient safety.
Methodology:
To investigate the impact of EHRs on patient safety, a mixed-methods approach will be utilized. Firstly, a systematic review of relevant literature will be conducted to analyze existing research studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews on the topic. The review will include studies published within the last five years to ensure currency and relevance.
In addition to the systematic review, interviews will be conducted with healthcare professionals involved in EHR implementation and utilization. The purpose of these interviews is to gather insights into the practical challenges, benefits, and strategies employed to promote patient safety in EHR-enabled healthcare settings. A purposive sampling strategy will be used to select participants who have experience with EHR implementation. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns.
Finally, a quantitative survey will be administered to assess the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding the impact of EHRs on patient safety. The survey will include Likert-scale questions measuring perceptions of EHR effectiveness, usability, and its impact on safety outcomes. It will also include open-ended questions to capture qualitative feedback on specific safety issues related to EHR use. The survey results will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of qualitative responses.
Conclusion:
This project aims to explore the impact of EHRs on patient safety and identify strategies to optimize their implementation and utilization. The analysis of literature, interviews, and a survey will provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, challenges, and potential risks associated with EHRs. The findings will inform healthcare organizations and policymakers on best practices for ensuring patient safety in the era of electronic health records.