| Learning Objective #1: Analyze the differences in satisfaction and adaptation between nurses and care providers in implementing a computerized documentation system in a clinic setting | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Analyze the differences in adaptation and attitude between nurses in a clinic setting and labor and delivery when implementing a computerized documentation system |
PURPOSE: To document the attitudes and productivity of nurses, physicians and other care providers in a clinic setting when computerized documentation was implemented and compare those attitudes to labor and delivery staff.
DESIGN: Pre and post test of clinic staff with comparison at like times of labor and delivery staff
METHODOLOGY: A pre and six months post implementation survey was used to collect information related to demographics, attitudes, training and productivity with clinic staff. Comparisons were made to like periods with labor and delivery staff and comparisons were made with nurses and other health care providers, including physicians and nurse-midwives. Subjective comments were also collected.
FINDINGS: Attitudes improved over time with clinic nursing staff (N=27) but not to the extent that labor and delivery staff (N=22) improved. There were significant differences in the attitudinal adjustments of nurses and providers. Physicians had the most difficulty adjusting to the system and had the most complaints. On-call/overtime and Xeroxing of clinic records for labor and delivery led to significant cost savings. Age and higher levels of education did not correlate with satisfaction with computer documentation.
CONCLUSIONS: Clinic staff appear to adjust less quickly to a major change—possibly attributable to personality differences in the type of nurses who choose clinic versus labor and delivery. Productivity improves dramatically in all instances. Physicians and other providers had the most difficulty in adjusting and were the most vocal about the process and their concerns. It may relate to a perception of lack of control and personality as well.