Charting is a necessary part of care, and also a large share of every nurse's shift. Savings of a minute or two per task may sound small, but across a unit, a week and a year, they add up to hours that can go back to residents. The good news is that many time savers do not need new software. They come from how the screen is set up and the habits people build while using it.
This post offers general ideas for electronic health record users, including those on PointClickCare. Features and options vary by organization and configuration, so check with your system administrator or vendor trainer for what is available in your setup.
The way your computer or tablet is set up affects every click. A few adjustments help:
Use a comfortable zoom or text size. Squinting slows people down and leads to mistakes.
If you have a larger or second monitor, keep the chart on one and reference material on the other.
Keep your browser tidy. Close unused tabs and avoid running several heavy programs at once, which can slow the record.
Position the keyboard, mouse and screen so you are not twisting or reaching.
Bookmark the pages you visit most often, so you can reach them in one click. Use your browser's ability to pin frequently used tabs. Keep the browser updated, as outdated versions can cause slowdowns and display problems.
Most record systems let users filter lists, sort columns and choose how information is displayed. Where your system allows saved or default views, take advantage:
Set the unit, hall or resident list that you work with most as your default, so you do not select it each time.
Sort lists in the order you work, such as by room number.
Use filters to show only what is due or outstanding, instead of scanning long lists.
Hide columns you never use, if the system allows it.
Ask your administrator whether common views can be shared across the team, so that new staff start with a good setup.
Keyboard shortcuts can be faster than reaching for the mouse, and some are available in almost every web application:
Tab moves to the next field, and Shift+Tab moves back.
Enter can submit a form or select a highlighted item, depending on the screen.
Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V and Ctrl+Z copy, paste and undo.
Ctrl+F searches the current page for a word, handy on long screens.
Ctrl+Tab switches between browser tabs.
Arrow keys can move through drop-down lists once one is selected, and typing the first letter can jump to an option.
Learn two or three and use them consistently, rather than trying to memorize a long list. If your record system offers its own shortcuts, ask the trainer for the most useful ones.
Many systems allow predefined choices, templates or text shortcuts to speed up common notes. Used well, they help staff document consistently and quickly. Used carelessly, they create notes that do not reflect what actually happened. Make sure every note is accurate and specific to the resident. Templates should be starting points that are edited, not substitutes for assessment.
Documenting soon after care is both faster and more accurate. Memory fades and tasks pile up. If your organization provides tablets, workstations on wheels or bedside access, use them as intended. Where possible, group tasks, such as documenting several items for one resident at once, rather than returning repeatedly.
Sign in efficiently. If your organization uses badge tap or a single sign-on option, use it, and always lock the screen when stepping away.
Report slow pages and errors. Repeated delays are worth fixing. Network coverage, an overloaded device or an outdated browser may be the cause.
Keep a short list of recurring issues to share with your administrator or IT support.
Speed should never come at the expense of security. Do not share passwords, do not leave a chart open on an unattended screen and avoid copying resident information into personal notes or messages.
UnityCare IT supports nursing teams by keeping devices, Wi-Fi and sign-in tools running smoothly, so the record responds quickly. If charting feels slow, we can look at whether the technology is part of the problem.
An outsourced IT department with proactive maintenance and one number to call.
Call or text: 405-285-3845
New customers: start@unitycareit.com
Existing customers: support@unitycareit.com
Address: UnityCare Technologies, 2524 N Broadway Ste 554, PMB 947974, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-4172