Background/objectives: Electronic medical records (EMR) can improve quality healthcare, patient safety and streamline workflow to improve efficiency of a department. Despite the known benefits and difficulties of EMR systems, there is limited data on the impact and definable effectiveness it can have within a dermatology unit. We present an outpatients' EMR known as an electronic handover system (EHS) from its inception, delivery and audit of its use in evaluating the true impact.
Methods: An audit of the EHS was conducted from 1 March to 31 August 2014. Quantitative data evaluating the type of jobs entered and completed, overdue tasks, patient workload and phone consultations were conducted. Qualitative data was assessed via a pilot survey assessing users' perspectives of the EHS evaluating communication, clinician-patient relationship and administrative tasks.
Results: Altogether 754 jobs were entered for 411 dermatology outpatients using the EHS. Most tasks concerned following up bloods and swabs (38%) or biopsies (36%). Overall, 51 jobs were not completed by the specified due dates and 188 phone consultations were performed. Compared with pre-EHS data, clinic review patients fell by 16%, with a modest increase (2%) in the number of new patients seen. The survey results show that most respondents believed that EHS improved communication, did not affect the clinician-patient relationship and they were more confident in their practice knowing there was a recording system for follow up.
Conclusion: The dermatology EHS has provided a reliable system for following up all outpatient results. The potential benefits range from clinical, organisational and health research, which, from our experience, demonstrates improved patient follow-up care.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12660 | DOI Listing |
Pharmacists in emergency departments (EDs) can alleviate physicians' workload by handling medication-related tasks and offer valuable contributions in interprofessional teams. We aimed to explore physicians' experiences working with pharmacists in EDs, and their perspectives on future permanent collaboration. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty physicians from two EDs and analyzed the data using thematic analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS One
January 2025
Department of Computer Science and Technology, School of Computer Science, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin, China.
Predicting Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs) enables cost reduction and time savings in the drug discovery process, while effectively screening and optimizing drugs. The intensification of societal aging and the increase in life stress have led to a growing number of patients suffering from both heart disease and depression. These patients often need to use cardiovascular drugs and antidepressants for polypharmacy, but potential DDIs may compromise treatment effectiveness and patient safety.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBlood Transfus
December 2024
Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy.
Background: Although topical corticosteroids (TCS) represent first-line treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and as such should be prescribed to all women at time of diagnosis, approximately 30% of patients do not experience complete symptom resolution following such treatment. TCS may not effectively improve vulvar trophism and elasticity, both of which are crucial for sexual function. Owing to its regenerative and healing properties, cord blood platelet-rich plasma (CB-PRP) may represent an efficacious supplementary therapy, to be administered following first line treatment with TCS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJMIR Res Protoc
January 2025
Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Background: Acquired neurological diseases entail significant changes and influence the relationship between a patient and their significant other. In the context of long-term rehabilitation, those affected collaborate with health care professionals who are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the affected individuals.
Objective: This study aims to examine the changes in the relationship between the patient and their loved ones due to acquired neurological disorders and the influence of health care professionals on this relationship.
JAMA Neurol
January 2025
Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!