Digital medical files will increase patient safety

Editorials

Discussion

August 4, 2010

Anonymous The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Wed Aug 04, 2010, 08:00 AM EDT

MILLEDGEVILLE — New technological capabilities at Oconee Regional Medical Center are creating greater accessibility and monitoring of patient care.

The hospital recently introduced the first phase of a planned conversion to all-digital medical files. This not only helps to simplify steps in patient care, it also helps establish additional fail-safes for the level of attention already put forth in patient safety. The new digital system helps to establish a common language and use of terminology for multiple areas of patient care, so that pertinent information is less likely to get overlooked in translation or interpretation.

The transition includes the introduction of 52 portable carts that allow health care providers with the accessibility to enter — and monitor — patient care plans and health information that would normally be found in paper charts.

The new system removes variables like penmanship and replaces them with typed and accurate instructions for areas such as medicine dosage or what to do after being discharged. ORMC protocols and policies are built-in under the new digital system, and caregivers are able to access them while viewing patient data, saving time and ensuring continuity. It also reconciles all medication taken by patients, including medication used in home care.

This streamlining measure will also eventually be implemented in emergency room care, where every second is precious. Recent data indicates that of the estimated 40,000 cases of major trauma that occur each year in Georgia, only about 10,000 are treated in designated Level I trauma centers. In life or death matters, particularly with regards to emergency care, any steps that can be taken to improve the focus on patient safety is certainly a positive.

Text Only

Editorials

County must find solution to trash problem
Baldwin County Commissioners were met once again this week with the task of tackling the mountainous issue of trash and the fate of the county’s remaining convenience centers.

February 11, 2012
Role of CGTC in community still expanding
Central Georgia Technical College is well on its way to completing a new, expansive health sciences facility to meet the needs of local students on the Milledgeville campus.

February 8, 2012
Black History Month gives chance to focus on locals
The second month in the calendar year, February is notable for a number of events and activities — this weekend’s Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and, since 1926, the observance of Black History Month.

February 4, 2012
Georgia College presidency is an important position
The search for the next president of Georgia College has narrowed to four candidates, all of whom will be invited to tour the Milledgeville campus in the next few weeks before the state Board of Regents and the campus-based search committee make recommendations on who will next take the helm of the state’s liberal arts university.

February 1, 2012
Technology fair promotes interest in needed skills
A 2011 CNBC network report last March reveals estimates from U.S. economists that the ratio for job applicants to jobs in the technology field is far more narrow than that many other available positions.

January 28, 2012
Future leaders learning the fundamentals
As many Americans prepared to watch Tuesday night’s annual State of the Union address by the president, and as many more have kept a watchful eye on the string of presidential debates that have filled our television screens over the past several months...

January 25, 2012
Be mindful of tax scams this time of year
Many local residents will be joining others across the rest of the country this month in preparing for income tax season.

January 21, 2012
Community gives much to history
This week, beginning today, a statewide group of museum representatives from all over Georgia will make their way to Milledgeville for the Georgia Association of Museums & Galleries annual conference.

January 18, 2012
Mentoring is way to give in a spirit of service
This weekend and Monday, Americans all over the country will pay homage to the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by devoting time from their busy schedules to contributing to community service.

January 14, 2012
First Fridays are a celebration of Milledgeville
Nearly a year ago, a local group launched the First Friday efforts aimed at promoting the local downtown community and engaging residents and visitors alike in the area’s art and cultural scene.

January 7, 2012
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

Digital medical files will increase patient safety

Site Map

Contact Us