Curricular Path to Value: Integrating an Academic Electronic Health Record

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Regulatory mandates emphasize quality, safety, and patient care improvements.
• Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is a key mandate across healthcare settings.
• New graduate nurses need EHR proficiency for accurate data access, documentation, and care planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide faculty with simple strategies for integrating an academic EHR (AEHR) into an undergraduate nursing curriculum.
• To increase nursing students' utilization of an AEHR throughout their education.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an academic EHR (AEHR) within an undergraduate nursing program.
• Development and dissemination of faculty-led teaching strategies for AEHR integration.
• Monitoring of student engagement and feedback regarding AEHR use.

Main Results:

• Faculty appreciated the supportive environment and innovative educational approach.
• Students provided positive feedback and course evaluations.
• Students reported enjoyment in learning through a novel method.

Conclusions:

• Continued sharing of innovative teaching strategies for AEHR integration is recommended for faculty.
• Further research should focus on measurable outcomes of AEHR integration across nursing curricula.
• Effective EHR training is crucial for preparing competent, safe nursing graduates.