Transforming Health Information Management Through the Digital Pen and Paper (DPP) Technology: The Case Study of the Clinical Handover

Transforming Health Information Management Through the Digital Pen and Paper (DPP) Technology: The Case Study of the Clinical Handover

Dimitrios P. Tsoromokos, Athina A. Lazakidou
Copyright: © 2019 |Pages: 21
DOI: 10.4018/IJCCP.2019010103
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Abstract

The aim of this article is the development and use of a smart accountability system (both systemic and individual) during the provision of health services, which will free up a large number of resources within a Health Organization. Compared to traditional manual recording, the new system of Digital Pen and Paper (DPP) achieves a significant reduction in the organization's operating cost. Over the duration of seven months from January to July 2016, 693 forms were collected from three public hospitals of Greece. 49 nurses who worked in intensive care units (ICU) took part in the survey. 18,934 fields were filled in 1,466 of which were counted with errors. The accuracy percentage rate of the data amounts to 92.3% and the corresponding rate of errors to 7.7%. The average time for a form to be filled in by a nurse using the digital pen amounts to 3 minutes and 35 seconds. The highest percentage rate of data accuracy reached 94.76% and the best time of filling in the form was under 3 minutes per form. Results can be improved even more through user training and application of entry rules.
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Literature Review

The communication process is a dynamic and constantly changing one, since any factor that can affect one of its three parameters, i.e. sender - message - recipient, also affects its effectiveness. Technology, with its rapid growth and progress, especially in the communication sector, could not be excluded from those factors. Literally speaking, it has caused a revolution in the way that people communicate with each other, as they are currently updated in more effective, faster, and easier ways. The modern health sector is currently organized around the Internet and the existence of organized information systems with a massive capacity for data storage and exchange, and characterized by the lack of interpersonal communication (Zyga, 2010). Nevertheless, technology should not be used as a purpose itself, but as a means for fulfilling a purpose: that of serving the people's life and health. Therefore, technology should be kept in place as a useful auxiliary means; a tool that expands human abilities and enriches life (Ragia, 2002). The typical information exchanged among nurses during reporting and change of shift includes the following: Basic identification details of the patients (name, room, and bed number, and current diagnosis), recent evaluation of the health of each patient (the patient's response to the medical treatment and achievement of goals), latest medical instructions (changes in medication, intravenous solutions, diet, level of activity), and any other information that is regarded as vital - useful by the nurse.

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