Exploring the challenges of using electronic health record systems in nursing research.
data collection
professional issues
record-keeping
research
research methods
Journal
Nurse researcher
ISSN: 2047-8992
Titre abrégé: Nurse Res
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9435953
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
17 Jun 2020
17 Jun 2020
Historique:
accepted:
17
12
2019
pubmed:
10
4
2020
medline:
10
4
2021
entrez:
10
4
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Electronic health records (EHRs) provide an interesting potential data set for nursing research. However, they can present challenges when collecting data, as EHR systems are not designed with research in mind. To present an example of collecting data using EHRs that was conducted as part of a study of the role of the school nurse in safeguarding children. Data were successfully obtained from EHR systems to understand school nursing caseloads and interventions with vulnerable children and young people. Major limitations included variances in EHR systems, such as different nomenclature for interventions. These limitations were addressed by reviewing organisational guidance on record-keeping and through a working knowledge of the different EHR systems. Conducting research using EHRs has provided important learning about the potential of this type of data and the promise they hold for future research. Organisations willing for existing data to be used in research might consider embedding pathways for collecting data that are easy for potential researchers to navigate. EHR systems need to be sensitive to research, but not at the expense of efficiency in clinical practice.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Electronic health records (EHRs) provide an interesting potential data set for nursing research. However, they can present challenges when collecting data, as EHR systems are not designed with research in mind.
AIM
OBJECTIVE
To present an example of collecting data using EHRs that was conducted as part of a study of the role of the school nurse in safeguarding children.
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSIONS
Data were successfully obtained from EHR systems to understand school nursing caseloads and interventions with vulnerable children and young people. Major limitations included variances in EHR systems, such as different nomenclature for interventions. These limitations were addressed by reviewing organisational guidance on record-keeping and through a working knowledge of the different EHR systems.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Conducting research using EHRs has provided important learning about the potential of this type of data and the promise they hold for future research.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
CONCLUSIONS
Organisations willing for existing data to be used in research might consider embedding pathways for collecting data that are easy for potential researchers to navigate. EHR systems need to be sensitive to research, but not at the expense of efficiency in clinical practice.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32270630
doi: 10.7748/nr.2020.e1695
pii: e1695
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
14-19Informations de copyright
©2020 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
None declared