3-13. TEST REPORTING
The computer can print out diagnostic tests, examinations, or lab results. As test
results are entered into the computer, they become immediately available for screen
retrieval by authorized personnel. In addition, the computer can periodically print all lab
and test results at the nursing station for each patient. High priority tests receive special
processing throughout the system. The lab can assign "RUSH" (immediate) processing
to any test that was ordered without a special priority, but whose results warrant
immediate attention by the physician.
3-14. PRESHIFT CARE PLAN
a. Patient Care Plan. Local management policies will vary. However, the
computer has the capability of printing copies of a patient care plan for each patient,
before each shift. One might be used for the head nurse and the other for the nurse
responsible for providing care. Listed in this printout would be: the diet and fluid
balance order, medications to be administered, lab work needed, nursing instructions,
and any special patient data, such as, "speaks Spanish," or "wears dentures." (Denture
information is important to the x-ray department when a skull series or a sinus series
has been ordered.)
b. Shift Change Report. The patient care plan may be used to generate a shift
change report, which, as the name suggests, is generated at each change of shift.
Care given during the shift can be entered here. Again, usage will depend on local
policy.
c. Nursing Station Updates. The nurses update the patient's file to reflect
medication given, intake and output, all care provided, and other patient data. Updates
are simple to accomplish using the video display and light pen. As items indicated for
the patient are taken care of, they are checked off using the light pen. However, when
the computer mainframe is down, business must go on, as usual. Therefore, provision
must be made for alternative methods, to cover computer malfunctions of a few
minutes, a few hours, or even a day or two.
3-15. BILLING
In civilian hospitals, the patient's record is reviewed daily by the computer to
determine daily charges accrued for hospital services, medication, and lab work. When
the patient's release time approaches, the computer does a search of the patient's file to
pull the pertinent data. Even military hospitals have to keep track of expenses when
treating civilians. They also need this information as a management-planning tool.
MD0058
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