Abstract

Presented at the 2024 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium

Problem: The adoption of the electronic medical record (EMR) in healthcare facilities has significantly surged since the implementation of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act in 2009. Despite advancements in electronic documentation, both planned and unplanned EMR downtimes pose substantial challenges. Such downtimes can disrupt clinical workflows, lead to delays in patient care and compromise the overall quality of services provided. Purpose: The aim of this project is to evaluate solutions for EMR downtime preparation that enhance staff confidence and minimize disruption of workflow during downtime events. Methods: A survey of scholarly sources and an evaluation of studies were reviewed. Various scenarios of both short-term and extended downtime processes were evaluated. Results: Downtime drills significantly enhance staff preparedness and response, leading to improved patient care continuity and operational resilience during EMR downtime events. By engaging in regular, structured training exercises, staff members can become more familiar with established protocols and procedures, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively when the EMR system experiences disruptions. Conclusion: Conducting regular, structured drills, team members become more familiar with the protocols and procedures necessary to maintain continuity of care when the EMR system is unavailable. Drills provide hands-on experience, allowing nursing staff to practice their response strategies in a controlled environment, thereby reducing anxiety and uncertainty during actual downtimes.

Document Type

Meeting Abstract

Publication Date

11-2024

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