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Nursing documentation time during implementation of an electronic medical record
Lisa M Korst1, Alea C Eusebio-Angeja, Terry Chamorro
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Burns Allen Research Institute and University of California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. ekorst@chla.usc.edu
The Journal of Nursing Administration
|January 25, 2003
Summary
Nurses spent 15.8% of their time on documentation during electronic medical record (EMR) implementation. This time was consistent with previous studies, even with concurrent paper and computer charting, suggesting no excessive burden.
Area of Science:
- Nursing informatics
- Healthcare management
- Clinical documentation
Background:
- Electronic medical record (EMR) implementation can increase documentation demands.
- This may impact staffing needs in demanding nursing environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify nursing time spent on documentation during EMR implementation.
- Focus on an intrapartum unit setting.
Main Methods:
- A 14-day work-sampling study was conducted.
- 18 observation periods (4-hour each) were selected, with 120 immediate activity recordings per period.
- Nursing activities were categorized into documentation, bedside care, and non-patient care.
Main Results:
- A total of 2160 observations were recorded.
- Nurses spent 15.8% of their time on documentation (10.6% paper, 5.2% computer).
- Documentation time was higher during day shifts (19.2%) compared to night shifts (12.4%).
Conclusions:
- Nursing documentation time during EMR implementation was not excessive.
- Findings align with prior studies, indicating no significant increase due to "double charting" or solely electronic methods.