informatics education advice

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2008

Gotcha.

When you make a database in Access you "build" it. The file that contain the data is called a "Table." Every table contains rows, or records. Every record is made up of fields.

For example, you have a patient record.

patient name 50 bytes long, alpha that's field one

patient number, numeric, 12 bytes long, that's field two

diagnosis, 20 bytes long, alpha field three.

Each field can contain certain types of data. Each field in each record is in the same order.

So you now have a RECORD that is 82 bytes LONG in a TABLE (or file) named "PTDATA."

This is very simplistic, but does it make sense? YOU have built tables in Access every time you've created a database. And LOGIC just refers to how you ask the question. For example, "If ptnumber > 12 then do this else do that." That is just a simple IF statement that asks a question and selects a path based on the answer.

BTW, our nursing home uses Keane. Ue it right and it's your friend. I find the interface to be rather unwieldy but get past that and it's a decent system.

:)

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2008

Oh, and when you "build" the data into Keane? That's called data entry, and we do it with keyboards and fingers and eyes. You should have entry forms they provide. It's the least glamorous and one of the most important parts of implementing a system. GIGO= garbage in, garbage out.

judytheoldrn · Apr 19, 2008

I guess I am wondering how these other nurses have been able to assist with the building of some of the screens - they work in IS but not for that long and as far as I know, there is no requirement to take any kind of course.

I am told I will be given "homework" to do as my part once the orientation has occurred - so is it so simple as it is in the doctor's field as "See one, do one, teach one!" ?? Thanks for your help!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2008

The nurses help with screens by telling the programmers how they enter data - in what order they are likely to gather it, and then enter it. The right data entry screen is very important and if, say, you want to enter VS before a nursing note or whatever it's important that the entry fields on the screen follow your work flow. If they aren't in the right order and places it can get frustrating as all get out for the people who have to use them so it behooves the programmers to know how your work flows. Does that help?

judytheoldrn · Apr 20, 2008

I understand all that, but it was said that the nurses built the screens that we saw - perhaps the program is simpler than we think and a little education is enough to allow them to name fields and enter data points. . . . I will check it out further with those who have done it - thanks for your input. Judy:typing

judytheoldrn · Apr 20, 2008

rninformatics: could you post a general link here for the groups you mentioned? I did pm you, but you are very busy I am sure, or perhaps not around this weekend? Pls check your pm Judy

:an!:

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2008

Sorry, Judy. I'm not sure what you're asking.

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Apr 21, 2008

I have built in Keane for Actue Care - Order Entry, Enterprise Scheduling, Nursing Assessments, Pharmacy, Lab, and their Rad product.

The Nursing Home product is a little different than the one sold to acute care.

Judy it is simple basically we are just talking about table or dictionay building.

There is no working with programmers unless we are talking about custom modifications - can you say $$$$$$$$

Standard base content is what is sold to 99.9% of Keane's clients.

Lets say you need to order a test. Behind the scenes are "tables" or "dictionaries" or "look up boxes" that need to be build so when the user requests a lab tests they can pick from a list/table or dictionary of tests. The user needs to select the specimen source - another table/dictionary or list, etc. Some of this content is standard so dictionary content lists can be imported in and not keyed in individually. Some table content is unique to an organization such as the list of ordering physicians, tests done in blood bank as opposed to Chemistry. Items used to transport pts would be needed in fields that are used answer the questions: How was the pt transported?"

Get it?

I understand all that, but it was said that the nurses built the screens that we saw - perhaps the program is simpler than we think and a little education is enough to allow them to name fields and enter data points. . . . I will check it out further with those who have done it - thanks for your input. Judy:typing

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Apr 21, 2008

The Delaware Valley Nursing Computer Network (DVNCN)

http://www.dvncn.com/

rninformatics: could you post a general link here for the groups you mentioned? I did pm you, but you are very busy I am sure, or perhaps not around this weekend? Pls check your pm Judy
:an!:

judytheoldrn · Apr 21, 2008

Thanks, that does clear things up a bit - so it's as if they've already "Built the database" and we just enter the records, etc. - our specific data into those fields, eh? Got it. Think I can do that. Don't want to appear a "wannabe" when I get there! Guess the only thing you have to decide then is what to call the table - whether to use a table name, field name, etc. so it appears to flow when the bedside clinician goes to chart. Very excited - hope this is my final career - been bedside for almost 35 years - lookin' for a way to ease out without wimpin' out, know what I mean -

still :prdnrs:

Thanks again, Judy

leggendario · Apr 21, 2008

I have built in Keane for Actue Care - Order Entry, Enterprise Scheduling, Nursing Assessments, Pharmacy, Lab, and their Rad product.
The Nursing Home product is a little different than the one sold to acute care.
Judy it is simple basically we are just talking about table or dictionay building.
There is no working with programmers unless we are talking about custom modifications - can you say $$$$$$$$
Standard base content is what is sold to 99.9% of Keane's clients.
Lets say you need to order a test. Behind the scenes are "tables" or "dictionaries" or "look up boxes" that need to be build so when the user requests a lab tests they can pick from a list/table or dictionary of tests. The user needs to select the specimen source - another table/dictionary or list, etc. Some of this content is standard so dictionary content lists can be imported in and not keyed in individually. Some table content is unique to an organization such as the list of ordering physicians, tests done in blood bank as opposed to Chemistry. Items used to transport pts would be needed in fields that are used answer the questions: How was the pt transported?"
Get it?

What are the tools that you use for developing this system. I think based on my experience most the stuff that you had mentioned can replicated and enhanced using filemaker pro. It is a great database tool wherein you can add changes and easily attached scripts that will automate most of the task that needs automation.

newlpn08 · Apr 22, 2008

I have a Bachelor in Information systems, and I have worked in LAN tech support for a major networking company for close to 20 years. I fix on a daily basis complex e-mail systems and directories on Windows, Netware, and Linux. I have pursued a nursing degree, and I have one semester left before I get my RN. My question is, with my technical background, do I need a Informatics specific certificate, or do you think a potential employer would look at my BS and 20 years of experience as enough on the technical side? I know I am lacking on the nursing side, and need more experience there. I'm thinking of continuing onto my BSN after getting my ADN in December, but would consider Informatics if that would be a better path.