Human Informatics
consider the ways in which technology and informatics are used to support evidence-based practice. Please address each of the following questions in your discussion response for this week:
Choose a specific evidence-based practice (examples: CAUTI reduction, sepsis protocol, SCIP protocol, bedside shift report, etc.).
Describe how technology and informatics are used to support the interventions used in practice?
Describe how employing evidence-based practice guidelines improve patient outcomes?
What benefits and challenges have you experienced with (the integration of) information technology in your practice?
What strategies did you, or could you, use to overcome these challenges?
Sample Solution
Evidence-Based Practice: Implementing a multifaceted approach to reduce Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs).
Technology and Informatics: Several technological advancements support CAUTI reduction efforts:
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Electronic Health Records (EHR):
- Order sets: Pre-populated order sets with best practice recommendations for catheter insertion care and maintenance can be embedded in the EHR, promoting standardized care and reducing variability.
- Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): Alerts and reminders within the EHR can prompt healthcare providers for appropriate catheter insertion procedures, aseptic technique protocols, and timely catheter removal when no longer medically necessary.
Full Answer Section
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- Data Analytics:Analyzing historical CAUTI data using the EHR can identify high-risk units or providers, allowing targeted interventions and resource allocation.
- Mobile Technology: Educational apps and mobile checklists can be used by healthcare staff to ensure adherence to evidence-based guidelines for catheter care at the point of care.
- Reduced patient morbidity and mortality:CAUTIs can lead to serious complications like sepsis and longer hospital stays. Reducing infections improves patient safety and well-being.
- Decreased healthcare costs:CAUTIs are a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. By preventing infections, costs associated with additional treatment and extended hospital stays are minimized.
- Standardized care:Technology promotes consistent implementation of evidence-based practices, reducing variability in care delivery.
- Improved documentation:EHRs facilitate complete and accurate documentation of catheter care procedures, enhancing patient safety and quality monitoring.
- Real-time data access:Healthcare providers can access relevant patient data readily, informing clinical decision-making at the bedside.
- Alert fatigue:Overreliance on CDSS alerts can lead to alert fatigue, where providers disregard important notifications due to information overload.
- Data accuracy:The effectiveness of technology relies on accurate and complete data entry in the EHR.
- Technology access and adoption:Ensuring all healthcare staff have access to and are comfortable using new technologies is crucial for successful implementation.
- Tailored CDSS alerts:Customize alerts to focus on high-risk situations or critical interventions, minimizing alert fatigue.
- Data quality initiatives:Regular data audits and staff education can improve data accuracy and completeness within the EHR.
- Training and support:Provide ongoing training and support for staff to ensure they can effectively utilize new technologies in their daily practice.