Measurement of the effects of an integrated, point-of-care computer system on quality of nursing documentation and patient satisfaction.

This quasi-experimental, modified time series study measured the effects of the nursing module of a point of care clinical information system on nursing documentation and patient satisfaction. Measurements were taken before implementation of the module and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month intervals postimplementation. Quality of nursing documentation was measured by compliance to items applicable to nursing documentation selected from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Closed Medical Review Tool. Patient satisfaction was measured by using the Risser Patient Satisfaction Scale. The study data showed a statistically significant increase in the quality of nursing documentation after implementation of the computerized nursing documentation system, as well as a decrease in variability in charting, as evidenced by a decrease in standard deviations. A significant increase in charting compliance was still occurring between the 12- and the 18-month time points after initiation of automated documentation. The point of care computer system did not seem to affect patient satisfaction with the nurse-patient relationship.