Nursing information systems (NIS) are of vital importance to advanced nursing practitioners (APNs). The Electronic Health Record is one such system that records, stores, and transmits patient health information as generated through single or multiple encounters within the health delivery environment. Encompassed in this system are progress reports, demographics, vitals, medications, lab reports and medical histories (Atherton, 2011).
The NextGen Ambulatory EHRs is an NIS developed by NextGen. The system offers EHRs associated solutions for both hospitals and private practitioners. Also known as NextGen Healthcare, the system is a generalized EHRs software that promises to transform various practices within the healthcare industry. The system is easily installable and offers users the option of online and mobile accessibility (Software Insider, 2015).
Now, the following the impacts of the NextGen Healthcare EHRs on nurses from an APRN perspective. First, the EHRs results in enhanced workload functionality. Part of a APRNs role with this regard is to help reduce patient load within the clinical setting. Miller et al. (2014) note that EHRs optimize on the positive changes that result from a move from paper charts to NIS. The idea is that EHRs offer a host of digital solutions compared to the patient’s paper chart. The system is not only real time but also available with the desirable urgency. Therefore, EHRs would ensure the existence of an adequate skill mix for every shift using various modules. The move further results in efficiency in time spent amending and developing duty rosters.
Second, the NextGen EHRs result in improved care planning. According to Poissant et al. (2005), EHRs have the ability to reduce the time spent on care as well as improving the quality of information recorded. The authors further identify the integration of EHRs into workflows as perfect in the optimization of routine clinical practices. Given such an instance, time efficiency would serve as one of the desirable outcomes of the integration. The ultimate impact here is to offer completeness in care plans and patient assessments.
Third, EHRs result in enhanced drug administration during the patient intervention. Lavin, Harper, and Barr (2005) note that the key to EHRs implementation is enhanced patient-centered care. Given the NextGen system, the APN stands to benefit from the legibility and accuracy nature of electronic prescriptions. EHRs exist as exceptionally appropriate systems that are useful in the development and surveillance of a patient’s pharmacological interventions. Unlike traditional practices, systems such as NextGen allow for adaptability as essential in offering and implementing prescriptions. The visible records would reduce chances of anomalies in dispensation thus improving health outcomes.
Furthermore, EHRs offer APNs a clear grasp of a patient’s medical and treatment history. APNs have a need to access their patient’s medical records from a historical perspective for efficiency in assessment, diagnoses and management planning. The manufacturer has developed this system to explore treatment solutions and information beyond standard practices. The ready availability of information offers the APN a broad perspective of their patient’s care plan (Kurtzman & Naylor, 2010).
Finally, the NextGen EHRs can help reduce inefficiencies such as hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), hospital readmissions, and length of stay. Kurtzman and Naylor (2010) assert that the enhanced interaction between APNs and their patients has close ties to improved care delivery. As patient advocates, APNs concern themselves with increasing, as much as possible, their patient’s hospital experiences. They measure this outcome through reduced readmissions, and cases of HAIs among others. In the absence of EHRs, however, the APN will find it hard to communicate with patients and other healthcare practitioners. They may also lack access to their patient’s medical histories resulting in poor care management. Therefore, EHRs assist in preventing such inefficiencies by improving communication and record keeping practices.
References
Atherton, J. (2011). Development of the Electronic Health Record. AMA Journal of Ethics, 13 (3), 186-189.
Kurtzman, E., & Naylor, M. (2010). The Role Of Nurse Practitioners In Reinventing Primary Care. Journal of Health Affairs, 29 (5), 893-899.
Lavin, M., Harper, E., & Barr, N. (2005). Health Information Technology, Patient Safety, and Professional Nursing Care Documentation in Acute Care Settings. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 20 No. doi:10.3912/OJIN.Vol20No02PPT04
Miller, L., Stimely, M., Matheny, P., Pope, M., McAtee, R., & Miller, K. (2014). Novice Nurse Preparedness to Effectively Use Electronic Health Records in Acute Care Settings: Critical Informatics Knowledge and Skill Gaps. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI),18 (2). Retrieved from http://www.himss.org/ResourceLibrary/GenResourceDetail.aspx?ItemNumber=30527
Poissant, L., Pereira, J., Tamblyn, R., & Kawasumi, Y. (2005). The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Time Efficiency of Physicians and Nurses: A Systematic Review. Journal of American Medical Informatics Association, 12 (5), 505–516.
Software Insider. (2015). NextGen Ambulatory. Retrieved from Software Insider: http://ehr.softwareinsider.com/l/150/NextGen-Ambulatory
