Quick Learning Guide for Vista Computerized Patient Record System Electronic Health Records Software

"This is a quality piece of work that focuses on success factors implementing an Office Practice Management and Electronic Health Records system."John Moustakakis, CIO, Westchester Medical Center, Hawthorne, NY"An excellent resource for all nurses - especially Advanced Practice Nurses - considering the selection of an Electronic Health Record system or learning about the implementation process."Nadia Sultana, Clinical Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator, Nursing Informatics Master's and Advanced Certificate Programs, New York University College of Nursing, NYOVERVIEWThis learning guide describes VistA CPRS software, and what is needed to install, learn, and use it. It is one in a series of quick learning guides on electronic health records (EHR) software published by Technical Consulting & Research, Inc. Research indicates that between 40-50% of all EHR system implementations fail to meet expectations. This reflects the difficulty in finding a solution matched to the needs of the medical/health care organization - especially when there are over three-hundred vendor offerings from which to choose! Especially for new users, it can be overwhelming to navigate and learn the many complex features built into electronic health records software. The quick learning guide uses a structured approach to demonstrate common clinical and practice management functions and key system screens.The material in this guide is based on hands-on testing in a controlled computer environment, field research in clinical settings, and experiences working with leading solution providers and EHR vendors. The quick learning guide is intended for the following types of readers:Physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses (Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Certified Nurse-Midwife), practice administrators, and other clinical and practice management staff who wish to learn more about VistA software, and what it is like to implement and use it: Lots of actual system screenshots and flow charts are included to depict the user experience, in the absence of hands-on access to the VistA CPRS software. Essential system information is presented in a concise format, sparing the reader hours of painstaking research and time consuming data collection. Educators and students who want or need to learn about EHR software or VistA in particular: This guide shows what clinical and practice management tasks are supported in VistA CPRS and how these tasks are supported. Students in Computer Science, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, Engineering, Management of Technology, Bioinformatics, and Nursing programs with an interest in EHR software may find this report of particular interest. This guide can be used in any undergraduate or graduate level medical informatics course. Health Information Management (HIM) professionals, industry consultants and decision makers: This guide provides information that is useful in evaluating and comparing VistA software with other EHR solutions.Developers of EHR solutions: This guide provides details on features and functions that should be incorporated into an EHR solution. This may aid in the design and development of new EHR solutions or the enhancement of existing ones. FEATURES:- Flowcharts summarizing key concepts- Numerous system screenshots illustrating major features and functions- Step-by-step implementation instructions- Work-flow mapping to hands-on user experience with VistA CPRSTOPICS INCLUDE: typical workflows in an ambulatory medical practice; hands-on user experience with VistA CPRS; client-server software design; VistA CPRS technology overview; development history of VistA CPRS software; major system screens; where to find other resources for documentation, training and technical support; potential pitfalls and complications when converting to VistA electronic health records software.