Overview
I have experience using Cerner in an outpatient plastics and reconstructive surgery clinic, where I use the system daily. One helpful feature of Cerner is the ability to connect with other Marshall Health Network hospitals and clinics that also use our system. This supports continuity of care and improves communication among nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals. We can review patients' inpatient hospitalizations, test results and outpatient visits with other providers, which helps us better understand their overall health history.
A second useful feature is Cerner's messaging system. As a nurse, I need to remain available to patients and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care. Cerner provides an inbox where I can receive and respond to messages from physicians, nurses, staff members and patients through the patient portal. We use this inbox for many tasks, including scheduling tests or surgeries, responding to postoperative concerns, providing test results and coordinating care with tother offices.
A third positive feature is the electronic ordering process. Entering orders in Cerner is straightforward and easy to navigate. Because Marshall Health Network facilities share the same EHR, affiliated hospitals and clinics can view and access electronic orders. This allows patients to complete laboratory testing or imaging without having to keep track of a paper order, making the process more convenient and reducing delays in care.
My biggest concern with Cerner is the way test results are routed and tracked. For example, when a patient completes a CT scan or laboratory test, the results are usually sent to the ordering provider's inbox. Although this may seem appropriate, some providers may not review their inboxes for several days. This creates a risk that an abnormal or urgent result may not be reviewed in a timely manner. One possible solution would be to send results to both the ordering providers and the nurse or staff member who entered the order. Organizations could also use a shared results-management inbox with clearly assigned responsibilities and escalation procedures for urgent or overdue results. This would improve accountability and decreased risk of delayed follow up.