Question 1
In my clinical practice, I have used Point of Care (POC) systems and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). An Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is a patient’s computerized medical record which contains health-related information and enables easy access to it. The function of the EMR is to enable care providers make diagnosis and treatment in an easy and efficient manner. I was satisfied with this system because it is efficiency in that it allows the healthcare provider to quickly track patient data over time. According to Hsiao, Hing & Socey (2010), it is efficient because it enables physicians and nurses to identify patients who should be have preventive visits or are due for screenings. It also improves the overall quality of care in clinical practice.
Point of Care (POC) systems are systems which facilitate tests at or near the location of the patient. An example of this is glucose testing at patient bedside and Barcode-enabled POC technology (Kumar, 2006). My experience with POC systems showed me that they help in improving patient care quality through efficient testing, better monitoring and better control.
Question 2
EMR systems improve on efficiency by enabling the nurse or physician to quickly access patient records. It is user-friendly because a simple search of the patient’s name provides all their details. In terms of patient safety, this system enables the care-provider to see medical complications, allergies etc that may pose danger to the patient in the process of medication (Hsiao, Hing & Socey 2010). I did not encounter any errors while using this system. Errors such as wrong information in medication and medical history may jeopardize patient safety through wrong diagnosis and wrong administration of medication.
Grotting, Yang, Kelly & Brown, (2002) focus on the use of Barcode-enabled POC technology, which they say is efficient and time-saving. This is because it enables real-time and quick confirmation of medication, dose and administration route. In terms of patient safety, the method can protect patients from wrong prescriptions and errors by giving out alerts to the nurses (Grotting, Yang, Kelly & Brown, 2002). I did not encounter errors when using this system.
References
Hsiao, C., Hing, E., &. Socey, T. C. (2010). Electronic Medical Record/Electronic Health Record Systems of Office - based Physicians: United States, 2009 and Preliminary 2010 State Estimates. National Center for Health Statistics, 3(2), 1-4.
Grotting, J. B., Yang, M., Kelly, J., & Brown, M. M. (2002). The Effect of Barcode-Enabled Point-of-Care Technology on Patient Safety. Bridge Medical, Inc., 3(2), 1-20.
Kumar, R. (2006). Point-of-care Testing. Surgery (Oxford), 24(10), 341-341.
