Orthopaedic nurses' experiences with real-time documentation in a high-tech ward: A qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Informatics
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Real-time documentation is a new nursing workflow process.
• Nurses' experiences with this documentation method are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' experiences with real-time documentation.
• Focus on an orthopaedic ward setting.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.
• Data from three semi-structured focus groups with 18 nurses.
• Analysis based on Ricoeur's narrative theory.

Main Results:

• Initial nurse skepticism and discomfort were observed.
• Successful implementation required support from head nurses and colleagues.
• Increased patient time improved relationships but reduced reflection time.
• Enhanced patient involvement presented some challenges.
• Documentation became more integrated into orthopaedic nursing.

Conclusions:

• Real-time documentation enhanced orthopaedic nursing and patient engagement.
• Improved nurse-patient relationships were noted, alongside reduced nurse-nurse interaction and reflection.
• Workflow modifications necessitate training and reflection time for nurses.