¶ … Barriers and Facilitators Effectiveness, Barriers and Facilitators of Using Computerized Charting in the Operating Room

The world is surging ahead with technological boom which is leaving its indelible imprints on almost all the facets of human life. Healthcare is also one of the significant sectors in which medical technology is advancing to provide better diagnostic techniques, examining facilities, and treatment procedures. These technological developments mainly encompass the equipments used in diagnosis and treatment, medical services offered by the healthcare sector, knowledge regarding different branches of biology and medicine, and so forth. However, the growing usage of information technology holds a prime position amongst all (Lorenzi, 2005).

Computerized systems in healthcare are gaining immense limelight in the current epoch; however, it has considerably assisted in provision of improved and efficient surgical services to patients in operating rooms. Computerized information system, specifically the one used for the purpose of administering surgeries, largely facilitates in proper planning of appointments (for surgeries), regulation, and precise implementation of planned schedules. Thus, problems related to delays and prolonged waiting can be handled efficiently. Also, the usage of computerized Surgical Information System allows and assists in managing operating procedures and resources well (Lorenzi, 2005).

According to different studies, it has come to the forefront that schedules for operations are now frequently made electronically in hospitals. It helps in managing the cases in a fine and organized manner because the electronic data consists of case history of patients and also other details related to surgery. This allows the staff members to prepare the patient and operation theatre with appropriate requirements on time (as scheduled). Moreover, computerized/electronic data also facilitates in effectively estimating the time duration for surgery; hence, prompt availability of operative and post-operative measures can be ensured by the hospital management (Lorenzi, 2005).

In addition, computerized charting is a technique that records every bit of the information regarding the surgery including the type of surgery, name of patient and surgeons, case study of patient, and the preparations that were carried out before the operation...

Furthermore, details about allergy and other health enormities suffered by patient (if any) along with his/her medical conditions since the time he/she was admitted in the hospital are also recorded. Likewise, the procedure of operation employed, all the medications given to the patient orally or intravenously (including anesthetics), type and condition of surgical equipments used, and all sorts of specimen that are collected during surgery (for example blood specimen for examining) are documented in the computerized database (Maurer, 2013).
This set of information can be easily accessed by doctors, nurses, and all healthcare personnel who can frequently update it whenever needed in accordance with progress of the case. This facilitates the people in-charge for dealing effectively with any sort of emergency or complication that may arise during the operation. Consequently, patients can be provided with improved and enhanced care in the operating rooms as well as during post-operative phase. Additionally, surgeons can make effective use of patient's computerized record to make wise and sensible decisions during the surgical process (Maurer, 2013).

Computerized charting was initially considered important and efficient for storing and securing business information. However, it has gained colossal importance in medical industry during recent years. Databases with high storage capacity can save huge amounts of information regarding the clinical set up together with extensive health records of patients (Nelson & Staggers, 2013).

According to the firms that provide medical and surgical solutions, computerized charting is one of the prime measures that healthcare providers need to use during operations in order to endorse patient's safety. Moreover, computerized charting also facilitates the surgeons and other staff members to make certain that the quality of treatment given to the patients coupled to their safety are all in accordance to the healthcare protocols and monitoring regulations (Nelson & Staggers, 2013).

Additionally, correct information can be accessed by the healthcare providers at any time that helps in fostering monetary fitness of the patient, provision of safety environment in the operation room, and also to regulate the overall performance during surgery. Effective communication between healthcare providers enables the hospital to…