5 ways device integration increases the value of data in an EMR

It's no secret EMRs hold numerous benefits, such as enabling physicians and caregivers to make clinical decisions based on the data in the system. But issues arise and dangers are seen when the data in that EMR is incorrect – something that happens all too frequently thanks to the view/write/transcribe mentality of entering data.

"The old way of entering data into a record is looking at it in a monitor, writing in on a clipboard, and later transcribing it into the record. It's of great concern because it isn't timely and there are chances it can be inaccurate," said Sue Niemeier, chief nursing officer at Capsule, which develops connectivity technology.

"But when you introduce device integration into the picture, that goes away," she continued. "You also increase the direct patient care interaction, and you automate the recording of patient data. Suddenly, the whole world changes for that caregiver, and you're relying on that caregiver to truly be at the point of care, which is the real reason they went into their profession."

Niemeier expands on five ways device integration increases the value of data in your EMR.

1. It's more accurate. According to Niemeier, the accuracy of data increases tremendously with integration. "You now have data that was previously transcribed or taken from a device and keyed into a computer," she said. "So you no longer have the opportunity for error." But, more importantly, she continued, nurses or those keying in data no longer forget to do it. "There's not only accuracy, but there's an omission aspect as well," she said. "You don't forget to add a temperature or blood pressure or a key variable that would create a more comprehensive view of the record."

[See also: EMR coaching program connects pre-med students with docs.]

2. The data is timely. With device integration, data is now in near-real time. "You'll see a lot of data out there that shows once you're on a device, it can take hours to get it into the record," said Neimeier. "I've seen two hours and I've seen 12 hours, which tells me the nurse is waiting until the end of their shift to document." Waiting 12 hours, for example, creates a disadvantage for the patient, and, essentially, leaves them for half a day with an incomplete record. "And other caregivers are relying on that record to make clinical decisions, and then there's this void," she said. Additionally, this impacts the way a patient is transferred from one setting to another. "You're holding out data. Device integration and the value of data allows it to be more timely and more accurate."