Benefits of electronic charts in intensive care and during a world health pandemic: advantages of the technology age.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study sets out to describe benefits from the implementation of electronic observation charting in intensive care units (ICU). This was an extension to the existing hospital wide digital health system. We evaluated error reduction, time-savings and the costs associated with conversion from paper to digital records. The world health emergency of COVID-19 placed extraordinary strain on ICU and staff opinion was evaluated to test how well the electronic system performed. METHODS: A clinically led project group working directly with programmers developed an electronic patient record for intensive care. Data error rates, time to add data and to make calculations were studied before and after the introduction of electronic charts. User feedback was sought pre and post go-live (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and financial implications were calculated by the hospital finance teams. RESULTS: Error rates equating to 219 000/year were avoided by conversion to electronic charts. Time saved was the equivalent of a nursing shift each day. Recurrent cost savings per year were estimated to be £257k. Staff were overwhelmingly positive about electronic charts in ICU, even during a health pandemic and despite redeployment into intensive care where they were using the electronic charts for the first time. DISCUSSION: Electronic ICU charts have been successfully introduced into our institution with benefits in terms of patient safety through error reduction and improved care through release of nursing time. Costs have been reduced. Staff feel supported by the digital system and report it to be helpful even during redeployment and in the unfamiliar environment of intensive care.

Promoting mental health in older people admitted to hospitals.

Mental health problems are common in older people admitted to general hospitals. With an increasing ageing population, admissions will rise and nurses will be expected to manage patients' co-existing mental health problems as well as physical problems. This article explores potential strategies for the management of patients with depression, delirium and dementia. The emphasis is on improving quality of care for this group of vulnerable patients.

Benchmarking patient privacy to improve essence of care.

Concerned about the privacy offered to patients at a large teaching hospital in the west Midlands, staff established a multidisciplinary group to benchmark privacy and dignity. They have ensured a high standard of care for patients through the benchmarking process. This article details the steps taken by the group and illustrates how Essence of core has successfully provided a framework to support quality improvements.