Computerized Documentation
In 1997, MCH began using a computerized documentation system. We use the computerized system to document the care provided by the healthcare staff in all our inpatient areas. The system contains the patient history, flow sheets and progress notes for all disciplines to document their assessments, observations, education and interventions. The computerized system is located at the nursing stations and on mobile workstations, computers on wheels or COWs, that can be taken to the patient's bedside. Throughout the campus, the system is available to other healthcare providers (that have access) to view patient information.
As we advance with technology, MCH will be introducing a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to ensure integrated communication among all settings and disciplines within the hospital. A team of nurses have been identified and are the leading force in determining standardization of documentation and criteria for the new system.
Get Well :) Network
As a leading provider of interactive patient care solutions, Get Well Network was implemented in 2008. The Get Well Network is recognized by and works in conjunction with Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) and National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI).The bedside interactive computer/TV monitor allows for the patient and family to be involved and their care. The system provides education materials through KidsHealth®, both standard and those prescribed by the nurse, interactive games, surveys for the families to complete as well as “pop-ups” for patient specific reminders. The system also allows the patient/family to access the Daisy Award to nominate outstanding nurses.
HyGreen
Miami Children's Hospital is the first children’s hospital in the nation and first hospital in South Florida to install the HyGreen Hand Hygiene System. 3 North, Oncology, is the first unit to integrate the HyGreen system which enhances the first line defense in preventing healthcare associated infections. As part of the hospital’s Squeaky Clean program, the system reminds staff to wash their hands. The system consists of a hand washing sensing device mounted near hand cleansing stations. After the caregiver cleans their hands with alcohol-containing soap or gel, the sensor provides an “all clean” message, green illumination, on a badge worn by the healthcare provider. As the provider approaches the bedside, a bedside mounted monitor wirelessly searches for a signal from the badge for the “all clean” message. If the message is absent, the badge vibrates reminding the provider to perform hand hygiene.
Spectra Link Phones
Spectra Link phones are utilized by the nursing staff on the inpatient units. These wireless phones allow nurses to place and receive calls from wherever they are in the hospital. The nurses and physicians enjoy the direct line of communication and find that it allows them to discuss patient issues in a more timely fashion. The system also provides a direct link of communication from the patient’s room to the nurse. When the patient utilizes the call bell, the patient is directly connected to the nurse via the phone, allowing for enhanced communication and timely follow-up.
Web Access from Home
All MCH staff have the ability to access the MCH Intranet Portal from home. The system allows for remote access of email, personalized files, web-based scheduling, educational references, up to date MCH news and much more.
MCH Portal
MCH has its own intranet, or MCH Portal, through which staff can access a wealth of information. The portal is the home of all nursing and system wide policies. The portal is also used as a communication tool for employees about MCH events and initiatives. Many applications are also readily at the staff’s finger tips such as links to regulatory and state websites, educational materials for patients, self-scheduling, telephone numbers, email, individual HR information and dozens of other applications.
Web Based Scheduling
In 2004, MCH implemented a web-based scheduling system for the Nursing Department. The Nightingale system allows staff to access their unit's schedules via the web and allows them to input their scheduling preferences. The unit based Self-Scheduling committee reviews all submissions and produces a balanced schedule to meet the needs of the unit. Once schedules are published, all staff has the ability to view their unit's schedule. The system also allows the Nursing Department to view current and future staffing across all inpatient units easily allowing for wise allocation of nursing resources.
Professor MCHex
Professor MCHex is an on-line learning center available free to all MCH employees on the hospital's portal as well as the internet. Professor MCHex is a web-based service focused on serving the educational needs of pediatric hospitals. As an employee of the hospital you are given full access to MCHex courses free of charge. Courses offered, many of which provided CEUs, include: MCH mandatory requirements, clinical development, individual development, legal and ethical, PC skills, organizational performance, professional development, safety, work/life skills, social responsibility/advocacy and management and leadership skills.
Pediatric Human Patient Simulator
MCH has a Pediatric Human Patient Simulator lab on-site which provides training to nursing, clinical and medical staff. The lab is managed and run by nurses. Simulations include a variety of situations that nurses may face as they care for pediatric patients. In the interactive simulator lab, nurses and other health care professionals can enhance their clinical skills and become more comfortable with how to respond in emergency situations - all in a non-threatening environment. The opportunity to utilize the lab starts during the orientation process.
On-Line Student Orientation
As a national and international center for Pediatric Excellence, MCH is continually called upon to provide clinical sites for nursing students regionally, nationally, and internationally. To provide a more efficient process for orienting students and faculty, MCH developed a web-based orientation program. At their convenience, students and faculty are able to access the orientation module and complete it prior to their arrival at MCH. This innovative web-based approach to training has proved to be a major cost saving and effective tool that complements the hospital's efforts in recruiting and reaching out to the largest number of students anytime, anywhere.
iSTAT Point of Care Testing
MCH nurses utilize iSTAT to perform point of care testing. The iSTAT is a portable machine not much bigger than a phone that is brought to the bedside for patient lab testing. With 0.1 cc of blood the nurse can run labs such as blood gas, lactic acid, electrolytes and the results are available within 120 seconds. The results are then downloaded into the patients computer database and available to the entire health care team.
Soft ID
MCH nurses also utilize bar-coding technology for laboratory testing. As with the medication bar-coding system, Soft ID allows the nurse to simplify the lab collection process through bar-code management. The nurse/phlebotomist scans the child’s ID band, lab slip and lab collection container ensuring the right lab for the right patient.