Florida International University APN Role in Clinical Practice Discussion
ANSWER
Pros of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Pros | Rationale |
---|---|
Improved Access and Sharing of Information | EHRs allow for quick and secure access to patient data by authorized healthcare providers, enhancing coordination and continuity of care. |
Enhanced Patient Safety | EHRs include features like allergy and medication alerts, reducing the risk of errors and adverse events through real-time prompts. |
Efficient Data Management | EHRs streamline documentation, allowing for easy data entry, retrieval, and analysis, leading to more informed clinical decision-making. |
Cons of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Cons | Rationale |
---|---|
Initial Implementation Challenges | Transitioning to EHR systems can be complex and costly, involving training, software setup, and data migration hurdles. |
Potential for Data Breaches | EHRs raise concerns about patient data security and privacy breaches, which could result in identity theft or fraud. |
User Interface and Usability Issues | Poorly designed EHR interfaces can lead to user frustration, decreased efficiency, and potential medical errors. |
Two Stage 3 Objectives for Meaningful Use and Their Impact on APN Role
1. Objective: Provide Patient Access to Health Information
This objective aims to give patients access to their health information through EHRs, allowing them to view, download, and transmit their data securely. As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), this objective could impact your role positively. Patients having direct access to their health information encourages engagement and empowerment, fostering a collaborative patient-provider relationship. APNs may need to educate patients on interpreting their records, promoting health literacy and shared decision-making. This objective aligns with the APN’s role in patient education and advocacy.
2. Objective: Use Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) for Medication, Laboratory, and Radiology Orders
CPOE involves electronically entering and managing orders for medications, lab tests, and radiology studies. For APNs, this objective can enhance patient safety by reducing errors related to manual order transcription. APNs need to adapt to using CPOE effectively, ensuring accurate and timely orders. Additionally, they may need to collaborate closely with physicians and other team members to ensure seamless integration of electronic ordering systems. This objective emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and technology proficiency in APN practice.
Question Description
I’m working on a health & medical discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
As discussed in the lesson and assigned reading for this week, EHRs provide both benefits and drawbacks. Create a “Pros” versus “Cons” table and include at least 3 items for each list. Next to each item, provide a brief rationale as to why you selected to include it on the respective list.
Refer to the Stage 3 objectives for Meaningful Use located in this week’s lesson under the heading Meaningful Use and the HITECH Act. Select two objectives to research further. In your own words, provide a brief discussion as to how the objective may impact your role as an APN in clinical practice.