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Monday, 18 November 2013
Learning Objective 1: Describe and compare the current and proposed competency file process.
Learning Objective 2: Discover the possibility of transforming current processes into updated electronic formats.
Background: Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) has fully implemented technology including electronic patient health records. One remaining paper file is the nursing competency folder. Nursing competency folders require time consuming staff hours to properly maintain and update (Allen, 2008). It is useful to note that a validated paper competency tool has been standardized throughout the facility and services (Liu, 2009; Taylor, 2000).
Literature Search: The available research addressing electronic nursing competencies outside of simulation labs is scarce and many address academic circumstances.
Allen (2008) does address the challenges of evaluating competency over a career span.
Implementation: VHSO began moving competency folders to an electronic format facilitating ease of use and ensuring compliance with policies regarding competency files. An interdisciplinary committee was tasked to facilitate design of the electronic folder. Early advantages in development consisted of folder uniformity and a cover sheet that would alert managers of a required update. Some challenges included development of formats that would enhance orderly navigation through the folders and translation of current forms to an electronic layout. Discussion developed about the required time to transition to the electronic format and archiving the current paper format. VHSO is piloting an electronic competency folder. The nursing informatics specialist was successful in creating linkages from the cover sheet to dates within the folder and an auto populated banner on each page so that each sheet contains the employee name. Embedded documents can be opened, edited, and saved within the folder. The folders are created using excel spreadsheets and placed in a shared folder.
Implications: Future improvements include an electronic signature pad to reduce scanning. Electronic notification to the employee and manager of updates is in review. Viewing competencies over a career span is plausible. Electronic nursing competencies may be developed cost-effectively using existing software.
Literature Search: The available research addressing electronic nursing competencies outside of simulation labs is scarce and many address academic circumstances.
Allen (2008) does address the challenges of evaluating competency over a career span.
Implementation: VHSO began moving competency folders to an electronic format facilitating ease of use and ensuring compliance with policies regarding competency files. An interdisciplinary committee was tasked to facilitate design of the electronic folder. Early advantages in development consisted of folder uniformity and a cover sheet that would alert managers of a required update. Some challenges included development of formats that would enhance orderly navigation through the folders and translation of current forms to an electronic layout. Discussion developed about the required time to transition to the electronic format and archiving the current paper format. VHSO is piloting an electronic competency folder. The nursing informatics specialist was successful in creating linkages from the cover sheet to dates within the folder and an auto populated banner on each page so that each sheet contains the employee name. Embedded documents can be opened, edited, and saved within the folder. The folders are created using excel spreadsheets and placed in a shared folder.
Implications: Future improvements include an electronic signature pad to reduce scanning. Electronic notification to the employee and manager of updates is in review. Viewing competencies over a career span is plausible. Electronic nursing competencies may be developed cost-effectively using existing software.