EHRs can store patients’ end-of-life care preferences, whether they be avoiding resuscitation or ventilators. But according to an unnamed May 2016 study cited in the report, less than one-third of emergency room physicians feel confident they could locate end-of-life wishes in an EHR. Another unnamed study from 2013 cited in the article uncovered patients’ end-of-life care choices are often stored in multiple locations within an EHR.
Professionals agree with the studies’ findings. “Weirdly, there is not a handy or consistent place to put these things in an electronic health record,” said Marian Grant, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, an associate professor at Baltimore-based University of Maryland School of Nursing.
“We have had a challenge in that electronic medical records … are not really built to optimize finding plans about end-of-life wishes,” said Joshua Lakin, MD, of Boston-based Harvard Medical School’s Center for Palliative Care.
Dr. Lakin mentioned one organization — La Crosse, Wis.-based Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center — that keeps its patients’ end-of-life wishes easily accessible in the EHR. Gundersen Lutheran implemented its Epic EHR in 2008. Throughout the adoption process, the hospital worked closely with Epic to ensure end-of-life care-related documents can easily be found via a tab that links to advance care planning information.
More articles on health IT:
North York General Hospital receives HIMSS Enterprise Davies Award
Arkansas senate committee passes bill loosening certain telemedicine restrictions
Cloud management provider Netgain scores $25M in private equity funding
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
