Data Entry Automation Improves Cost, Quality, Performance, and Job Satisfaction in a Hospital Nursing Unit

Abstract

OBJECTIVE 

An Automated Data Entry Process Technology tool was developed to free nurses from data entry tasks, thus creating time for patient care and other activities associated with improvements in performance and job satisfaction.

BACKGROUND 

Manually transferring data from patient measurement devices to electronic health records (EHRs) is an intensive, error-prone task that diverts nurses from patient care while adversely affecting job performance and employee satisfaction.

METHODS 

Performance improvement analytics were used to compare matched sets of manual and automated EHR data entries for 1933 consecutive vital signs records created by 49 RNs and certified nursing assistants in a 23-bed medical-surgical unit at a large tertiary hospital. Performance and quality effects were evaluated via nurses' responses to a postintervention survey.

RESULTS 

Data errors decreased from approximately 20% to 0; data transfer times were reduced by 5 minutes to 2 hours per measurement event; nurses had more time for direct patient care; and job satisfaction improved.

CONCLUSION 

Data entry automation eliminates data errors, substantially reduces delays in getting data into EHRs, and improves job satisfaction by giving nurses more time for direct patient care. Findings are associated with improvements in quality, work performance, and job satisfaction, key goals of nursing leaders.