computerized documentation programs?

CHPN · Aug 23, 2004

Is anyone able to direct me please, we are in search of a good program for computerized documentation. Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks.

Our agency had been using the computerized system for over a year now. We use the Misys System, becoming the first few hospices that used this program. It was originally designed for hospice but was re-programmed to target home health care as well. Because of this modification, we basically had to work around the program to make it suitable for hospice. Sadly, they say this is the best program available in the market today. We are used to it, even though we still face occassional problems. There are definite advantages to the computerized system over paper documentation, there is no comparison! :rolleyes:

momcats3 · Aug 26, 2004

We've been using Misys - bad experience all around. Just and FYI.

CHPN · Aug 27, 2004

How long have you been using the program?

momcats3 · Aug 27, 2004

Been using for about 6 months now...the screens are too complex, data entry of information doesn't flow naturally. For example, one side of the screen on the mid-upper right corner of the Vital Signs tab has Respirations, then you have to tab down and backwards to the Left to get the the HR, etc. Going right to left doesn't help either, it's worse...My biggest complaint is you spend more time, literally putting data into the computer, and less time with patients. I spend an 8 hr day seeing patients, then have 2 hrs. work of computer work ahead of me (w/o overtime pay, BTW). I understand it's useful to track data, handle Medicare billing and whatnot, but, practically speaking it's done nothing to make Hospice nursing any better. To make it worse, we in LTC must leave one copy of our assessment in the cart when we leave. We end up having to write one paper copy assessment and leaving it the chart, then going home and entering same data into the computer. We've tried various solutions, i.e. having printer in the LTC facilities to print and file assessments while there (didn't work - LTC didn't have the extra space to give us )to printing back at the office (still had to do dual entry). Basically, we're just flying by the seat of our pants rights now with no solution in site. It has seriously affected morale in our office. Here we are, hospice nurses, supposedly dedicating quality time to our patients, and we spend more time inputting data into the computer :angryfire than being with them. Having had a 20+ career in business prior to nursing, I would see this all the time. Organizations would be sold on the "latest and greatest" software would pay gigantic sums of money only to find out the software was, basically, garbage. I even heard one local agency ditched Misys entirely in favor of going back to the drawing board, at great expense .....If I seem irritated it's just because I've finished a 50+ hour week and look forward to hours of computer time! :uhoh3:

Angelica · Aug 28, 2004

We use Suncoast. It's not perfect, but I am generally happy with it. There's an updated version that we will be implementing soon.

doodlemom · Aug 30, 2004

We use mcKesson

aimeee, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

We use Suncoast as well. We began using it for clinical documentation a bit over a year ago. It was a rough transition and there were lots of kinks to work out. The best thing about it is that all clinical staff and phone triage folks have the latest clinical data and the entire history at their fingertips. Instant information sharing!

CHPN · Sep 4, 2004

We have been using this system for a year and a half now. We are still finding problems everyday. It is very frustrating to have work around the system in order to be compliant on everything we do. I admit, computerized documentation has it's advantages. Like you guys said, patient information at your fingertips. Misys upgraded the program a few months ago. Some kinks were fixed but new problems surfaced. The biggest headache we have right now is the recertification periods. Misys will automatically place every patient entered into the system whether new admission or re-admission in the first 90-day period.

I'm one of the few nurses in our agency who is comfortable with computers, but I have to say Misys is not user friendly. The nurses are used to the system now after a year-long struggle.

Hey Gianine, how do you compare both programs? Which one do you think is better, considering you mentioned some kinks with Suncoast too. Both Aimee and Angelica are saying the same thing.

By the way, is anyone taking the certification exam this month? My recertification is due. I would like to share study tips with someone.

saribeth · Sep 15, 2004

Our agency had been using the computerized system for over a year now. We use the Misys System, becoming the first few hospices that used this program. It was originally designed for hospice but was re-programmed to target home health care as well. Because of this modification, we basically had to work around the program to make it suitable for hospice. Sadly, they say this is the best program available in the market today. We are used to it, even though we still face occassional problems. There are definite advantages to the computerized system over paper documentation, there is no comparison!

Hi...our agency will be researching Misys and 2 other vendors soon. Can you tell me anything specifically about the misys? We are a VNA so it would also be for the home care side as well as for our hospice. Thanks for your help Janie

CHPN · Sep 16, 2004

I have not seen the other programs so I can only speak for what I have seen in Misys. It seems to be strong Home Health-wise. There are definite problems with Hospice but they have corrected the major ones that we have encountered. You may have to work around the system to get all your documentation in Misys. The problem is Misys did not split the program between home health & hospice therefore the two works against each other all the time. I recommend you view the presentation anyway then decide.

doodlemom · Sep 19, 2004

I couldn't tell you how Misys was because I came to the agency just as we were switching over. The clinical staff was not using Misys - only medical records and nursing supervisors. They preferred Misys, but I'm sure that it was because they were not having to use it out in the field.