D220 Task 1 Exploring EHRS in Home Health Care Settings

D220 Task 1 Exploring EHRS in Home Health Care Settings

Student Name

Western Governors University

D220 Information Technology in Nursing Practice

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Date

D220 Task 1 Exploring EHRS in Home Health Care Settings

 A. Identify a healthcare setting and an electronic health record system (EHRS) that could be used in this setting

Home healthcare is often overlooked when discussing the implementation of Electronic Health Record Systems (EHRS). However, recent data indicates that approximately 78% of home healthcare agencies had integrated some form of EHRS by 2017. One of the leading systems in this sector is Homecare Homebase (HCHB), a platform specifically designed to support home health operations.

Homecare Homebase functions similarly to other EHRS platforms by promoting continuity of care, enabling real-time documentation within patients’ homes, and enhancing the accessibility of clinical records for field clinicians. The system aims to optimize patient safety, streamline care delivery, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate chronic disease management (Hobensack et al., 2021).

A notable feature of HCHB is its ability to record Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data, which allows the software to recommend the number of visits based on patient acuity. This data-driven approach promotes informed decision-making and ensures high-quality, individualized patient care.

Despite these advantages, challenges exist—particularly regarding internet connectivity in rural areas. Limited or unstable service may impede the uploading or downloading of visit data, potentially causing discrepancies in documentation accuracy. In addition, incomplete referral records from providers can lead to missing critical information such as medication lists, allergies, or prior medical history.

To mitigate these challenges, nurses in home health should:

• Maintain paper charting materials as backup for documentation.

• Collect primary source data such as medication bottles for reconciliation.

• Obtain medical records from referring providers to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Accurate and complete data entry enables the software to conduct medication interaction checks and supports precise diagnosis documentation. Ultimately, these practices enhance patient outcomes, improve clinical assessments, and advance patient health literacy by enabling nurses to provide targeted education based on individual learning needs.

B. Identify one health information system and one technology to use in the healthcare setting identified in part A

Within the home health setting, one valuable health information system is Epic, which allows clinical team leaders to import electronic documents directly into patient charts via secure logins on mobile tablets. This functionality ensures that clinicians have access to accurate, up-to-date patient information from primary sources.

A key healthcare technology utilized in this environment is WorldView, an application that enables clinicians to upload wound photos, scan signed documents such as service agreements or HIPAA forms, and integrate them into the patient’s electronic record. This capability reduces delays in documentation and enhances communication among care team members.

1. Discuss how the health information system supports decision-making in patient care

Epic supports decision-making by providing clinicians with a complete and real-time view of a patient’s medical history, laboratory results, and care plans. Access to this data allows healthcare professionals to assess referral reasons, identify clinical trends, and make evidence-based care decisions. The system also facilitates data sharing across multidisciplinary teams, which enhances coordination and continuity of care.

2. Discuss how the technology supports decision-making in patient care

WorldView enhances decision-making through visual documentation. Clinicians can capture and upload wound images or other visual data to track patient progress over time. Comparing current and previous wound photos allows nurses to detect subtle changes—such as infection or tissue deterioration—that may not be evident through narrative notes alone. Furthermore, this technology allows remote specialists to review images and provide recommendations, improving response times and clinical accuracy.

3. Explain the importance of evaluating data from health information systems (e.g., reliability, quality, consistency, security)

Evaluating data from health information systems is critical to maintaining patient safety and care quality. Reliable and consistent data ensure that clinicians base their decisions on accurate information. Regular audits for data quality, consistency, and security prevent errors, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and protect sensitive patient information from unauthorized access.

For instance, inconsistencies in medication lists or outdated patient records can result in medication errors or misdiagnoses. Therefore, healthcare organizations must implement data validation protocols and encryption standards to preserve data integrity and confidentiality.

C. Describe how relevant laws and policies guide the use of health information systems and safeguard healthcare information

1. Using a specific example from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) code of ethics, explain the nurse’s ethical responsibility regarding the use of protected healthcare information

According to the AHIMA Code of Ethics, healthcare professionals must “ensure all data and resulting information accessed and derived from healthcare technology resources are not used outside of the scope of the job” (AHIMA, 2019). This principle underscores a nurse’s ethical responsibility to safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI).

For example, if a nurse encounters patient data about an individual they recognize outside of work, it is unethical and a violation of professional conduct to discuss or disclose that information. Nurses must maintain confidentiality and use patient information strictly for authorized care purposes. Ethical compliance promotes patient trust and upholds professional integrity.

2. Using a specific example from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) legislation, explain the nurse’s legal responsibility regarding the use of protected healthcare information

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), nurses have a legal duty to protect PHI and prevent unauthorized disclosure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). This includes both intentional and unintentional sharing of patient information.

For example, leaving a patient’s chart open on a shared device or discussing patient details in public areas violates HIPAA’s privacy rule. Legally, nurses must ensure that patient information is accessed only by authorized personnel and used solely for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. Violations can result in disciplinary action, fines, or loss of licensure.

References

AHIMA. (2019, April 29). Code of ethics. AHIMA Body of Knowledge. https://bok.ahima.org/topics/industry-resources/code-of-ethics/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 10). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/php/resources/health-insurance-portability-and-accountabilityact-of-1996-hipaa.html

Hobensack, M., Ojo, M., Bowles, K., McDonald, M., Song, J., & Topaz, M. (2021). Home healthcare clinicians’ perspectives on electronic health records: A qualitative study. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. https://doi.org/10.3233/shti210763