Academic Electronic Health Record in Mental Health Clinical: A Quality Review.

Developing competency in the use of EHRs is essential for entry-level professional nurses. Although nursing education has been encouraged to integrate this technology into nursing curriculum, many students still graduate feeling unprepared in this area. As a result, nursing graduates lack the skills necessary to effectively use EHRs, which may have negative consequences for safe patient care. Use of academic EMRs provides students the opportunity to integrate informatics education, develop critical thinking, and incorporate problem-solving skills in the clinical area. An academic EMR was introduced to students in the second semester of a baccalaureate degree nursing program. Students completed documentation on one patient from the mental health clinical rotation. A retrospective chart review was conducted, using a rubric to determine charting efficacy. Data analysis indicated that students struggled with documentation of the mental health assessment, care plan development, and nursing notes. Student documentation was strongest in vital signs and basic information. Students need practice documenting on the critical aspects of nursing care. Utilization of an academic EMR for clinical charting provides an opportunity for students to practice documentation and develop necessary skills for clinical practice.

Electronic medical record in the simulation hospital: does it improve accuracy in charting vital signs, intake, and output?

Nursing care delivery has shifted in response to the introduction of electronic health records. Adequate education using computerized documentation heavily influences a nurse's ability to navigate and utilize electronic medical records. The risk for treatment error increases when a bedside nurse lacks the correct knowledge and skills regarding electronic medical record documentation. Prelicensure nursing education should introduce electronic medical record documentation and provide a method for feedback from instructors to ensure proper understanding and use of this technology. RN preceptors evaluated two groups of associate degree nursing students to determine if introduction of electronic medical record in the simulation hospital increased accuracy in documenting vital signs, intake, and output in the actual clinical setting. During simulation, the first group of students documented using traditional paper and pen; the second group used an academic electronic medical record. Preceptors evaluated each group during their clinical rotations at two local inpatient facilities. RN preceptors provided information by responding to a 10-question Likert scale survey regarding the use of student electronic medical record documentation during the 120-hour inpatient preceptor rotation. The implementation of the electronic medical record into the simulation hospital, although a complex undertaking, provided students a safe and supportive environment in which to practice using technology and receive feedback from faculty regarding accurate documentation.