Nursing, Case Study Example

Aim

Based upon the events described in the case study, one of the most critical areas to consider is the ability to provide the appropriate level of patient care based upon specific needs. However, medical history is one of the key components of this process and must be considered in all cases where there are numerous risks to patients. Under these conditions, patients must be evaluated on a comprehensive basis through the retrieval of medical histories and other types of relevant information that will enable effective decision making.

Key Concepts

The primary concept to consider is the retrieval of medical records, whether it is through an electronic health record or a paper version. In either case, the organization must be able to use these records to make effective decisions regarding individual patient care circumstances.

Measurable Outcome

It is believed that by properly accessing electronic health records, patients requiring treatment will be provided with optimal care, based upon their individual health histories. These efforts will prevent negative outcomes such as serious injury or death and will encourage improved recovery times for patients (HRSA, 2013). These elements are essential to the development of protocols that will enable patients to be protected from unnecessary risk or harm (HRSA, 20013).

Operational Definitions

With this practice, a number of terms are commonly used, including quality improvement, safety monitoring, and meaningful use, all of which contribute to the potential effectiveness of electronic health records in supporting patient health and wellbeing (Silow-Carroll et.al, 2012).

Data Collection Plan

In order to measure the efficiency of the proposed strategy, it is necessary to evaluate the use of electronic health records as a driving force in supporting positive outcomes for patients. This is also essential to the discovery of new techniques and strategies that will improve patient care in the process. The data collection process will retrieve data from the organization after it has implemented an electronic health record system in order to determine if there is a reduction of serious complications or death in patients.

Data Analysis Plan

The data analysis portion of the process will determine if there is a relationship between the implementation of an electronic health record system and patient outcomes through the use of health histories. This practice is likely to reduce tragedies such as the one derived in the case example.

Conclusion

Through the implementation of an electronic health record system, the organization is likely to improve its level of oversight and its efforts to achieve positive results with respect to patient care and treatment. Although this type of system is large scale and may be costly to the organization, the benefits typically outweigh the risks and play an important role in achieving favorable outcomes for the organization. These efforts also demonstrate the importance of collaboration and communication in the provision of patient care, both of which reflect an opportunity to promote organizational growth and achievement through an enhanced reputation and approach to quality patient care. These elements play a role in shaping outcomes and in enabling the organization to improve its reputation and its focus. These activities also reflect an opportunity for the organization to be successful in implementing a large-scale strategy in an effective manner to promote greater patient health and wellbeing for all patients who enter the facility. It is expected that these activities will enable the organization to achieve greater benefits over time.

References

Health Resources and Services Administration (2013). Introduction. Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/HealthITAdoptiontoolbox/MeaningfulUse/intro_imprvqual.html

Silow-Carroll, S., Edwards, J.N., and Rodin, D. (2012). Using electronic health records to improve quality and efficiency: the experiences of leading hospitals. The Commonwealth Fund, retrieved from http://www.commonwealthfund.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Issue%20Brief/2012/Jul/1608_SilowCarroll_using_EHRs_improve_quality.pdf