How documentation and electronic signatures can reduce administrative burden for nurses

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Nurses are under pressure to provide more patient-centered, efficient and cost-effective care. To do so, they need to work at the top of their license. However, research suggests that nurses spend a considerable amount of time on non-value-added administrative tasks, such as documentation, filling out forms, file sharing and getting signatures. In many cases, these tasks can be streamlined by using technology that supports greater efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Nurses spend over 26% of their time on documentation.

Using tools such as digital documentation and electronic signatures can significantly reduce the administrative burden on nurses in several ways:

Increases efficiency

Digital documentation boosts efficiency by allowing nurses to quickly enter data during patient visits, saving time and reducing paperwork. Those documents can then be automatically routed to stakeholders upon submission, replacing manual copying, faxing, and other manual sharing methods.

Automates processes

Electronic signature technology lets nurses electronically sign off on documentation, orders and other forms, eliminating the need for physical signatures and paperwork. Automated workflows can also route documents for approval or review, reducing manual intervention and streamlining administrative processes.

Learn more about valuable workflows for data collection and explore how they can streamline operations.

Establishes standardization

One of the many shortcomings of manual documentation is the inconsistency of the amount of information recorded. Some nurses are very concise in the data they collect, while others will include all kinds of related information.

Digital documentation supports the standardization of information, by offering tools such as templates with structed data to reduce the likelihood of errors and ensure consistency for all staff. Structured data can also be extracted for analyzing and reporting purposes to identify abnormalities, find correlations and ultimately deliver better patient care.

Supports interoperability

Patient engagement tools such as digital documentation can integrate with EHR or pharmacy dispensing systems. This integration allows the seamless transfer of information between different departments and reduces duplication of efforts. For example, when a form or document is completed, it can be attached to the patient record for optimal visibility.

Learn more about interoperable platform integrations and how they can simplify the way information is exchanged, maximizing efficiency.

Provides audit trails for security

Electronic signature technology provides a secure way to verify the authenticity and integrity of documents. Each electronic signature is time-stamped and logged, creating an audit trail for accountability and compliance purposes. This enhances security and reduces the risk of tampering or unauthorized access to patient information.

Learn more about the importance of data security and three end-to-end security pillars your technology needs.

Enhances collaboration

Digital documentation systems with electronic signature capabilities enable remote collaboration among healthcare team members. Nurses can securely share and co-sign documents with other clinicians, such as physicians or specialists, even if they are not physically in the same location. This improves communication and coordination of care while reducing the need for face-to-face meetings or paper-based exchanges.

Overall, digital documentation and electronic signature technology can help nurses streamline administrative tasks, improve efficiency, ensure compliance, enhance collaboration, and ultimately, focus on delivering high-quality patient care.

Schedule a demo to learn how CitusHealth can help elevate your organization with these technology features and more.