Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:The Culture of Health Care
Unit:Health Care Processes and Decision Making
Lecture:Making a diagnosis
Choosing therapy
Communicating the plan
The impact of EHRs and technology on clinical decision-making
Slide content:Clinical Staff Nurses Pharmacists Dieticians Therapists: Physical, occupational, respiratory, massage, acupuncture Lab technicians Diagnostic imaging staff 9
Slide notes:Theres also often a whole host of clinical staff who need differing amounts of information about the patient, the problem, and the management plan in order to carry out their roles in the process. Staff members may include nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, laboratory technicians, x-ray technicians, and more. Each of these people will need information specific to their task because they can contribute more effectively when they have an understanding of the patients condition. An x-ray technician who understands the suspected problem will make better decisions in performing x-rays or radiation therapy. Physical therapists will be able to provide effective treatments and provide consideration to the patient with an understanding of the clinical goals, the patients diagnoses, and level of mobility. A dietician will need information about the patients various diagnoses, habits, and social background as well as the clinical goals in order to ensure the patient receives the most appropriate diet and nutrition education. All members of the team need some, but not necessarily all, of the patient information to help them contribute. There has been an increased emphasis on care coordination in health care, which can lead to better health outcomes for patients as well as increasing efficiency. 9