NU #1 MBAH by Campus Queen - virtual hospital chart

New Processes at Work
Pseudonym: Campus queen

I am a practicing internist-nephrologist. I do my rounds day in and day out. Aside from seeing patients in three dialysis centers everyday and out-patient clinics, I do my rounds for admitted patients in two different medical centers.
In the hospital, we usually write down our orders in the charts, and then the orders will be carried out by the nurses. The orders include laboratory tests and medications aside from the special instructions. This has always been the practice.
Just imagine if we can develop a software that includes all the data needed in the hospital chart- a virtual hospital chart(VHC). With the use of your own iPad, one tick at the laboratory exams needed for the patient will automatically be transmitted to the laboratory, and same the medications ordered linked to the pharmacy. And this can be done already while doing your rounds. Special orders to be carried out by the nurses will be seen in the monitors of their respective stations. Just like in the ordinary chart, vital signs, input and output monitoring as well as reminders and alerts will be seen in the VHC. Results of laboratory examinations and ancillary procedures will be available in your handy tablet! And you don't have to borrow a pen from the nurse if you forget to bring one whole doing the rounds!
An automatic display of drug interactions, reminders regarding length of use of an antibiotic and giving the right dose and frequency of medications will also be included in the application.
Access of the VHC can be done anywhere even in the comfort of your own home. Aside from being paperless, this will also minimize medication errors; this will facilitate faster ancillary procedure and medications will be prepared and given sooner. The checklist inside the virtual hospital chart will help the nurses double check if things are already done or given. Doctors will be updated of their patient's condition as well even if they are not in the hospital. 4