UMMC Streamlines EHR Workflow With Tablet Computers

The number of institutions implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) has been steadily increasing in recent years. When deploying computerized documentation systems and other healthcare IT solutions clinicians must be provided with convenient access to technologies at the point of care (POC), wherever the patient might be within the facility. The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) has implemented computerized provider order entry (CPOE) and electronic medication administration record (eMAR) at its academic flagship, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

When UMMS initially deployed CPOE and eMAR, desktop PCs and workstations on wheels (WOWs) were installed. A key concern was ensuring all providers had computer access so as not to impede their workflow. This led UMMS's clinical and technology leadership to search for additional computer devices for clinicians to support specific clinical workflows, encompassing some of the key factors of successful implementation of technology in their study program.

When UMMS leaders began evaluating alternative computer devices they contacted Motion Computing®. After a variety of review sessions to determine scope of work, study objectives, risks and success criteria, UMMS and Motion Computing agreed to jointly conduct a Clinician Usability Study to ascertain the extent to which Motion's C5 mobile clinical assistant (C5 MCA) would meet the workflow, user acceptance and point of care device requirements that had been established. UMMC has implemented Cerner Millenium© PowerChart® for their CPOE and eMAR applications; therefore PowerChart integration was a primary requirement. UMMC piloted the Motion C5 MCA in a designated nursing unit and clinicians evaluated its performance and Cerner PowerChart integration.

The pilot study involved a multi-disciplinary approach. Although mainly conducted on a medical surgical unit, respiratory therapy, rehabilitative services and the physicians from the Minimally Invasive Surgery service also participated. The chief of radiology also assessed the C5's viewing capabilities for PACS display. The effectiveness of the C5 MCA in the clinical environment was measured based on the criteria established by UMMS leaders and the responses from clinical participants. Formal evaluation results indicated the clinicians were satisfied to extremely satisfied with the performance of C5 MCA in clinical conditions. Clinicians believed the C5 provided satisfactory mobility tools for POC documentation. Additionally they provided a positive rating of C5 for its mobility, workflow compatibility, durability, and ease of cleaning and disinfection.

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