Beginning this fall, the School of Nursing will incorporate an electronic medical record (EMR) system in the classroom.
Developed by Eclipsys and already used at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the system encompasses all the elements of a paper medical chart, according to Nursing professor Kathryn Bowles.
"We hope exposure to the systems will help students gain comfort in navigating an electronic patient record," she said.
The school is only one of a handful implementing an EMR system for students and only the second to use Eclipsys.
Besides simply making treatment easier by reducing paperwork, Eclipsys will assist in providing care.
"Students will be able to choose the best care plans for their patients," she said. "The system provides information to the clinician to support decision making and evidence-based practice."
Although students have not yet worked with the Eclipsys system, juniors and seniors have been able to work with another Eclipsys product, Sunrise Clinical Manager, but only in a clinical setting, rather than in a classroom.
Nursing senior Michelle Holshue wrote in an e-mail, "Instead of having to spend an entire clinical day learning the software system when they first start their junior-year clinicals, students will already be familiar with the software when they walk into the hospital for the first time."
Nursing students have found the EMR system to be helpful.
Bridget Baginsky, Nursing junior and Student Nurses At Penn vice president, said using an EMR system in the classroom will "make it easier to access information and see real-life examples, instead of just reading about case studies in a book."
Caitlin Healy, Nursing senior, agreed with Baginsky, saying that the only downside to the system is its susceptibility to Internet-caused glitches.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
