Definition of the innovation topic
Electronic Medical Records are comprised of basic computer systems that allow storage, retrieval of laboratory data and clinical notes, thereby enhancing prescription generation, clinical physician order entry (CPOE), and medication documentation (Eisenberg, 2010). My innovation involves enhancement of the update system used to maintain electronic health records. It involves the configuration of the systems to retrieve patient vitals in real time and update the data to the central servers. This initiative enhances the accuracy of the data used in the generation of prescription among medical practitioners. The effectiveness of this technology is achieved through the integration of modern technology equipment such as tablets, computers and smartphones.
Description of electronic health records
Electronic health records are stored in a computerized system in a medical institution. The entire database is located on a central server and is accessible among the medical practitioners and nurses working in the institution. Through the utilization of digital health systems, data directly retrieved from patients’ readings are uploaded to the central system in shorter periods. Authorized medical practitioners can access this information and administer the most appropriate treatment methods. These systems will be run by complex algorithms capable of diagnosing a patient’s condition and prescribe the most appropriate medication (Hoffman & Podgurski, 2011). Information stored on the central servers is constantly updated through automatic configurations with the medical equipment.
Problem
Similar initiatives have been implemented in other medical institutions, but are facing a lot of challenges for optimal effectiveness. In this case, the impact of the nurses would most definitely affect the operability. According to Einstenberg (2010), the biggest challenge in the utilization of EMRs is the level of comfort with the nurses. As such, the success of this implementation and the patients’ safety is largely based on the nurses’ response. Additionally, the need to reconstruct the system interface would affect the productivity of the nurses and other medical practitioners while getting used to the new work environment.
How to solve the problem
This challenge can be remedied through proper system training of the personnel at the medical institution. Precisely, the nurses should be informed of the expected changes in system management to enhance their knowledge of the interface while dealing with the systems. Additionally, a phased changeover approach should be utilized. In this case, the medical institutions would implement this initiative bit by bit to enhance its familiarization among the users. This would enhance the chances of the innovation succeeding and minimize the risks posed on patient safety (Hydari & Telang, 2016).
Method to spread
Implementation of this innovation would be conducted in a procedural manner. Precisely, a few institutions would be sampled to pioneer in the implementation of this system. The system would be utilized in one section of the institution and the impacts of its implementation would be compared against the initial medical statistics. If there is a positive effect on patient safety and user friendliness among the nurses, the system would be integrated into the entire medical institution. However, if the effects are detrimental, implementation of the system would be terminated. A similar approach would be used in the other institutions.
Limits to the spread of the innovation and acceptance
Probable failure in one institution jeopardizes the implementation of this innovation to other medical centers. If negative results are experienced by the organizations embracing this innovation, the overall influence of the system is compromised. Additionally, training of the personnel on how to utilize the system interface is time consuming and expensive. It is difficult to determine whether organizations would be willing to spend their resources on this initiative.
References
Hoffman, S., & Podgurski, A. (2011). Improving Health Care Outcomes through Personalized Comparisons of Treatment Effectiveness Based on Electronic Health Records. Journal Of Law, Medicine, And Ethics, Fall 39(3), 425-436.
Hydari, M., & Telang, R. (2016). Economic and Business Dimensions Electronic Health Records and Patient Safety. Communications Of The ACM, 58(11), 30-33.
Eisenberg, S. (2010). Electronics Medical Records. ONS Connect, 8-11.
