Laptop use in Home Health

[mv740]

Agency considering a computer program for laptop use in the field.

Is the use of a laptop program a help or hinderance in paper work completion in home health?

Any recommendations/ or negatives on programs out there?

Help appreciated.

[ANTN84]

The comapny I work for went from charting on computers to charting on PDA's. While it is faster and the program is more user friendly than MCKESSON, the technical malfunctions are quite annoying, for example if your PDA crashes are starts moving slowly during a visit you have to start documenting on paper then transfer that information later back on to the PDA usually when u get home because u have to continue your day. This ultimately means that you are doubling your work load/charting twice. I have yet to see what it would be like to chart on paper, I welcome the idea of charting once and moving on. Technology can prove more inconvenient than convenient.

[ANTN84]

another thing about computer charting in the home. Most of our patients are irritated at the fact that they have to answer questions while watching/listening to us tap on a computer, when we used them, or type on a PDA. Ultimately there are a few snafoos with using technology in the home but i still consider it a blessing when compared to doing it on paper, paper just sounds time consuming

[paradiseboundRN]

My agency uses lap tops and I love it. The only downside I see is that the computer forms a "barrier" between the nurse and the patient. When I use the computer I need to look at the screen and the keys which takes away from looking at the patient. I solve this by setting the computer aside during part of the visit and really listening to the patients concerns. I have gone as far as shutting it down and putting it in my bag to get to the heart of an issue. I do about 1/2 of the documenting in the home and the rest after I leave.

[allele, LPN]

Our agency uses laptops, also with McKesson. I LOVE it!! I don't even carry scrap paper anymore, if I have to right a quick note I just type it quickly into the clinical note area so I don't forget it. I don't let the computer become a barrier between me and my patient, and have never had a pt. aggravated with the computer. I immediately document VS and assessment questions in the home (all of it is just check boxes, anyway), this takes no longer than writing it on paper and then there is no need to input into the computer later. I know a lot of nurses who prefer to write the assessments in the home and then input in the computer later, and that's fine, I just found that it took longer for me to finish my notes, and I don't like needing to work at home. I usually finish my clinical note either in the patient's driveway, or as soon as I have a few minutes. If the pt. is complicated, I type much of the note right in the home so I won't forget anything important, and I simply say to the pt., "excuse me while I type a moment, I don't want to forget some of the things you are telling me"...I personally have not had a problem yet. Again, I love it, I type faster than I write, and it's quite easy once you get the hang of the program. There are even prompts on how to answer the OASIS questions! No more looking it up in a book!! I hope things go well for you! :)

[Abbies]

our agency uses laptops, also with mckesson. i love it!! i don't even carry scrap paper anymore, if i have to right a quick note i just type it quickly into the clinical note area so i don't forget it. i don't let the computer become a barrier between me and my patient, and have never had a pt. aggravated with the computer. i immediately document vs and assessment questions in the home (all of it is just check boxes, anyway), this takes no longer than writing it on paper and then there is no need to input into the computer later. i know a lot of nurses who prefer to write the assessments in the home and then input in the computer later, and that's fine, i just found that it took longer for me to finish my notes, and i don't like needing to work at home. i usually finish my clinical note either in the patient's driveway, or as soon as i have a few minutes. if the pt. is complicated, i type much of the note right in the home so i won't forget anything important, and i simply say to the pt., "excuse me while i type a moment, i don't want to forget some of the things you are telling me"...i personally have not had a problem yet. again, i love it, i type faster than i write, and it's quite easy once you get the hang of the program. there are even prompts on how to answer the oasis questions! no more looking it up in a book!! i hope things go well for you! :)

when i don't feel like jumping up and down on mine for it's slowness or not letting me be in 4 places at once, i love it! i do most of the documentation in the home except for care planning updates and doctor's orders because they take more concentration. i like to keep a post-it note next to the scroll bar for making quick notes. if i have time between clients i'll finish up in the car. if not, i try to get it done before i leave the office that day. it isn't perfect but it is encouraging to know that our it and support staff are always working to find easier ways for us folks out in the field. it has really pulled our team together. communication, scheduling, accessing other disciplines' notes, and all the resource material at my fingertips is unbelievable. of course you must be working with a good program or it will be more frustrating than beneficial.

[MirandAck!!!]

I wish we had them!