Computer or written charting??

Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN · May 5, 2006

After doing my clinical hours in serveral facilities I have seen both computer and written charting used. I saw benefits from both but I just wondered if anyone had a strong opinion towards one. Let me know what you think.

Computer ,hands down. Saves so much time. Everybody who needs to can read what is written, no more trying to make out handwritting. Has a built in spell checker. Our computer charting has lots of check lists, canned text you can alter to fix what you are charting and so you include every thing you need and not forget details. Can take roll around computer in pt's room and chart assessent ,admission history as you do it. If you need to stay in a room (such as the 1st 15 min of a blood transfusion) can use the roll around to do other charting. Can load in your pt's and check lab,diet vital signs,ect as you go, don't have to go to desk for the chart.

MKL65 · May 6, 2006

Computer, it is the BOMB!

Provides reall time orders, results, and documentation accuracy. Better outcomes, as patient is treated more effeiciently, and records can be accessed from anywhere. Phycisians can use CPOE and enter orders which are immediatly transmitted to all depts. Eliminates transcription errors, and meds and treatments are clear and consise.

Access to chart enables the Health Care providers to keep a constant view of the interdisciplinary record, and is alerted to new orders/results. The Plan of Care is accessed and updated by all disciplines and therefore the goals and outcomes are clearly defined.

After using the EHR, when there is downtime, all Health Care workers are frustrated with lack of real time accuracy and status of patient.

Enables a real time census, while keeping track of those patients that are in temporary locations such as OR.

lsyorke, RN · May 6, 2006

I was the "lover" of written charting...until we started computer charting. It's so much faster, prompts you to not miss things and easy to read! We have the ability to "copy" from a previous day's assessment(if you have the same patients) so you're not doing repetative charting, just change whatever needs to be changed. It's awesome!