Design: Software programs were selected based on the ability to interface with existing programs and allow customization of patient parameters in order to meet documentation needs of select patient populations.
Concept: The software requirements included the capacity to manage medications online, download medical device data in real time, and provide ease of manual entry for assessment and care parameters. Paramount to the success of this project was the software capability to compile and filter patient data for research and trending purposes by the AICU staff.
Methods: Several software brands were evaluated by a team of ICU nurses and managers and I/S personnel. Interface programs for existing HIMS systems were developed for the software selected. Software trials were run on a test system to determine viability of the data. Education for the system was provided to nursing personnel to the selected “go-live” date. Twenty-four hour implementation coverage was provided during a 10-day period by I/S system analysts, members of the software company, and two critical care RN System Specialists. The support team provided bedside documentation assistance and evaluated the system for production issues.
Results: The system was successfully implemented in a 28-bed ICU over a 4-day period. The AICU opened two months following this implementation. The AICU team is able to view current patient data easily and make rapid clinical decisions. Since the implementation in the 28-bed unit, 16 more ICU beds have come on-line and are being monitored by the AICU team.
Conclusion/Implications: Barriers to a successful implementation included resistance to the electronic system by nursing staff used to paper documentation. Support by I/S and nursing personnel is essential in overcoming barriers and needs to be ongoing.