Should nursing programs include a course in electronic medical record use?

With the current explosion in technology and the shift of many health institutions to electronic documentation, it would be idea for nursing program to include an introductory course in its use. Many graduates enter the workforce with little knowledge of electronic charting as a result they have difficulty finding employment. It is more cost-effective to hire nurses with computer experience than it is to train. Your input will be greatly appreciated, please comment.

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

There are many advantages to using EMR, please view the tutorial listed below and add your comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW1l0R7j3Yk

 

Technological Innovations

Technological innovations of today have a tremendous impact on social change in the health care industry.  As the world continues to embrace this concept, the health industry rapidly moves forward developing new innovations to stay in the forefront of these changes. Many technological devices and systems are already in place such as imagining monitoring, communication devices, information management systems, pharmacological products and implants, each promising improvement in care delivery and patient safety (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2012, p. 444). The use of electronic medical records will ultimately improve performance of the healthcare system and achieve greater efficiency. With that said it is imperative that new graduates enter the workplace prepared to perform their job duties proficiently.

What are the steps needed to incorporate an electronic medical record class into the course curriculum? First and foremost research must be conducted to assess for the cost and feasibility of adding such a class. Should this be a part of a pharmacology class or separate unto itself? These are just a few of the questions that should be answered before proceeding to request a course revision.

 

Reference

Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K. & Chaffee, M. W. (2012). Policy & politics in nursing and health care (6^th Ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.

Pen or Mouse

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is a bill that was initiated to provide incentive reimbursement to qualifying facilities to encourage implementation of electronic medical record use instead of paper charting. A concern with this legislation is the lack of provisions to accommodate individuals who may have difficulty understanding the world of technology therefore it is important to include an introductory course in use of electronic medical records (EMR) as part of the nursing curriculum.