Computer Charting in PACU Question

I don't know how helpful this reply will be b/c we hate our computer charging system too! We have a GE program for our entire surgical services from pre-op thru PACU and would give it a big . The system is very labor intensive as far as including more info than necessary and most items having to be typed instead of point and click or drop down menus. Oh, did I mention that it goes down all the time, and often freezes and the computer has to be reset :trout:? And what a waste of paper!!!! Our paper charts had 2 sheets of paper; the print out from the computer chart can be up to 40! As to the keyboard covers, we don't use them. They seem to just fall off anyway, I'm not sure how much of an infection control issue this is. I just clean the keyboard and mouse with a disinfecting wipe, and so far haven't caused any damage. I would love to hear from a PACU that uses a computer system that they like; it's too late for us since the hospital already paid hundreds of thousands for this one!

Our computer charting is slower than the paper chart and harder to check for omissions. We still paper chart for peds and if we get in a bind. However, there's a plan/threat to go totally paperless in the near future. When they do, it will drop our productivity.

On the other hand, the typing on the computer charts is readable although the charts run 9 to 12 pages in length for a typical case.

No, we don't have keyboard covers and the program often locks up or even loses information. One night I entered free-text 3 times on a page before giving up and entering it on another page where it was finally saved.

we just started computer charting, i think it takes away from pt care.