Module 2 entry

1. What is one way you could become involved in designing, selecting, evaluating, or implementing an information system in your workplace? In Shock Trauma ICU, we are currently piloting ECIS which I discussed in my prior entry. One way that I could become more involved in the design, selecting, evaluating and implementing of this program is through participating in the pilot. Both ECIS and Help 1 (STICU's old computer charting system) are still functioning systems for charting on every computer. Therefore, staff has the agency to choose which charting system they will use. This is necessary due to the fact that ECIS is new and it often has glitches that require it to be shut down for a period of time. However, having the old system still available also decreases compliance as the tendency of most staff is to be resistant to change. So, my way of helping in the ECIS project is to actively use ECIS in my charting and to report any problems that occur and think of possible improvements for the program development.
   

Module 1 entry

1. Introduce yourself to the group. Include your graduate area (e.g., teaching, Acute care NP, etc.) My name is Jessica Curtis. I am in the Acute care NP program. I am a nurse in an ICU. I am excited to be in this class!
   
2. Why do you as a graduate level nurse need to know about information management? Information management is important to know about as a graduate level nurse. As a graduate level nurse, part of my role is to support and improve advancements in patient care. Information systems and information technology are an integral part of health care advancements. As a graduate level nurse, I am committed to learning about information management in order to improve patient care.
   
3. Describe what is happening related to IT in your clinical or practice setting. The ICU I work in is currently piloting a program called ECIS. ECIS integrates two seperate computer programs; Help 1 or tandem, and Help 2. ECIS's primary role is to improve the healthcare workers ability to stay up to date with the patient's status and also to have a more integrated approach to patient care between different disciplines. The charting for all staff is supposed to be more efficient and less time consuming for all parties involved. Nursing staff, respiratory therapists, and Medical Staff are asked to participate in the ECIS pilot and provide feedback on ways to improve the computer program. The primary goal of this pilot is for an ideal program to improve patient care to be developed.