What is the role of technology and electronic health records in improving nursing workflow?
Electronic health records (EHRs) and technology revolutionize nursing workflows by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and patient safety. Key innovations include streamlined documentation with AI-powered templates, barcode medication administration (BCMA) reducing errors by 86%, and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) enabling proactive care through sepsis alerts and predictive analytics. Interoperability ensures seamless data sharing across health systems, while telehealth integration supports remote monitoring of chronic conditions. EHRs also optimize workload management via predictive staffing tools and automate compliance with evidence-based protocols. Challenges like alert fatigue are mitigated through user-centered design and nurse-led customization. By prioritizing medication safety, interdisciplinary communication, and real-time data accessibility, EHRs empower nurses to focus on high-value care, improving outcomes and reducing administrative burdens.