Nurse workflow and technology usage

The introduction of an EMR system has a dramatic impact on the work of healthcare professionals. Nurses in particular experience a significant change in the nature and flow of their activities. Some nurses estimate they spend up to two-thirds of their time documenting, well beyond the expectation of management. The first objective of this research is to analyze the task of documenting, decomposing it into discrete elements such as data entry, retrieval and diagnosis. Through observation and job shadowing, the duration, frequency and pattern of these elements will be determined. Also noted will be activity location, technology use and interaction with peers. The results will be used to improve user interface design, processes and training.

Collaborators: Methodist Healthcare, Cerner