Paper or computer documentation???

aimeee, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2007

We have gone to computerized documentation. I doubt if there is any time savings but its great for tracking and reports. Its also wonderful for the sharing of information, particularly for the oncall staff and triage. They can instantly access any visit report and have the entire history of the patient at their fingertips. The chart is no longer that thing stored in the backroom. We all use the chart so much more now that we can get information so quickly and easily and from any location. Our laptops allow us to carry the whole chart with us into the field.

We use Suncoast. I have never used any other hospice software so I have nothing to compare it to. I like some things about it, and I am less than delighted with others. There are some aspects that make me crazy.

saribeth · Aug 31, 2007

We use lap tops...the program is Clinical Novius but it truly is geared toward home care...they told us from the very beginning that it would not save time and boy were they right!!!!!!! I have a love/hate relationship with mine because at times it holds you hostage... it was a real adjustment doing it in front of the pts but I always try to finish it in their home so I don't have to do it at the end of the day...its been 1.5 years and just when you think you've got it...ya don't!!!

Sabby_NC · Aug 31, 2007

Yes we use laptops in the home.

Our program is Road Notes and I love it. The office/ medical record staff use Homeworks.

Very user friendly.

We have sprint cards so we can sychronize and send all pertinent up todate information back to the office.

I love it because when I leave the home I have my notes done and am ready for the next client.

We can fax from our computers which is great if you have a message or question for the MD.

Love the fact that we are not paper chasing anymore.

Our LOC, Transfer, HHA Guidelines etc are all electronic now.

All my clients are used to me having my laptop and inserting information as I move through my assessment.

Having their Goals for Care at my finger tips makes my job much easier.

andre · Aug 31, 2007

Yes we use laptops in the home.
Our program is Road Notes and I love it. The office/ medical record staff use Homeworks.
Very user friendly.
We have sprint cards so we can sychronize and send all pertinent up todate information back to the office.
I love it because when I leave the home I have my notes done and am ready for the next client.
We can fax from our computers which is great if you have a message or question for the MD.
Love the fact that we are not paper chasing anymore.
Our LOC, Transfer, HHA Guidelines etc are all electronic now.
All my clients are used to me having my laptop and inserting information as I move through my assessment.
Having their Goals for Care at my finger tips makes my job much easier.

Road Notes is what we'll be using!

I asked the question because so many of the RNs in my hospice are sooooooooooo negative about the change over--and I am personally looking forward to it! I came to hospice from a hospital with a fully electronic medical record, so going back to the reams and reams of paper, with stuff falling out of charts and missing or mis-filed....and not to mention often illegible...well it made me want to scream!

I start learning the program next week.....can't wait!

Sabby_NC · Aug 31, 2007

Hi Andre let me know if I can assist you in any way. It is really a great program and very user friendly as I mentioned.

Hang in there the others will come around eventually but it makes light of my work let me say!!

I do all the orientation of new staff and really hone in on using laptops in the home.

I personally do not see why I would want to write everything down to put it in later on.

Once your patients get used to you using this as much as you do your assessments it will truly make life easier for you. :)