In Class
✅ Pros of EMR (Advantages)
✅ | Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
1. Quick Access | Patient records are available instantly | Saves time in emergencies |
2. Better Communication | Info is easily shared across departments | Improves teamwork |
3. Reduces Errors | Fewer mistakes with legible writing, medication alerts | Safer for patients |
4. Better Tracking | Lab tests, imaging, progress notes easily viewable | Helps monitor care |
5. Saves Space | No need for huge paper files | Easier storage |
6. Clinical Decision Support | Alerts for drug interactions, allergies | Helps in safe prescribing |
7. Audit Trails | Who accessed/changed records is tracked | Improves accountability |
8. Promotes Preventative Care | Reminders for immunizations, screenings | Improves long-term health |
❌ Cons of EMR (Disadvantages)
❌ | Challenge | Why It's a Problem |
|---|---|---|
1. System Crashes | EMR can go down during technical issues | Need backup plans |
2. Learning Curve | Staff need training to use EMRs properly | Takes time and effort |
3. Privacy Concerns | Risk of hacking/data breaches | Patient confidentiality must be protected |
4. Cost | High setup and maintenance costs | Especially hard for small clinics |
5. Technical Problems | Slow systems, login issues, data errors | Frustrates staff, delays care |
6. Less Personal Interaction | Nurses and doctors may focus more on screens | Can affect patient rapport |
7. Over-documentation | Too many "clicks" and checkboxes | Can lead to “tick-box” care rather than clinical thinking |
🧠 QUICK MNEMONIC for Pros of EMR: "S.A.F.E. C.A.R.E."
Letter | Stands For |
|---|---|
S | Saves time |
A | Access to records |
F | Fewer errors |
E | Easy tracking |
C | Communication better |
A | Alerts for safety |
R | Reminders for prevention |
E | Electronic backups |
📋 SETS & SEWS in Nursing
(Simplified for you + ready for study notes)
1. SETS
Standardized Early Warning Scoring System (SETS)
Purpose: Detect early signs of patient deterioration.
Focus: Monitors vital signs and assigns a score to changes.
Vital Sign | What You Monitor |
|---|---|
Heart Rate | Tachycardia (>100 bpm) / Bradycardia (<60 bpm) |
Blood Pressure | Hypotension (<90/60) or Hypertension (>180/110) |
Respiratory Rate | Increased (>20-24 breaths/min) = danger |
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) | < 94% = red flag |
Temperature | Fever or hypothermia |
Consciousness | AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) scale |
✏ Mnemonic for SETS Checks:
"HR BREATHE TEMP MIND"
HR = Heart Rate
BREATHE = Respiratory Rate
TEMP = Temperature
MIND = Consciousness level
2. SEWS
Standardized Early Warning Score (SEWS)
Purpose: Same idea — quick scoring system based on vitals.
How it works:
Each vital sign abnormality is given a point (1-3 points).
The higher the total score = the more urgent the medical response.
SEWS Score | Action Required |
|---|---|
0-1 | Routine monitoring |
2-3 | Increase observations |
4-5 | Urgent medical review |
≥6 | Medical Emergency Team (MET) call immediately |
🚨 Why is SETS & SEWS Important for Nurses?
Catch deterioration early
Escalate care faster → better patient outcomes
Standardizes when to call for help (like MET or Code Blue)
🧠 Quick Mnemonic to Remember SEWS Actions:
"RIM"
R – Routine care (0-1)
I – Increase obs, Inform senior staff (2-3)
M – MET call if major deterioration (4+)
🧩 Summary Table for Quick Study
System | Meaning | Focus | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
SETS | Standardised Early Warning Scoring System | Vitals Monitoring | Track changes over time |
SEWS | Standardised Early Warning Score | Points-Based | Trigger escalation |
✅ Both SETS & SEWS help nurses identify sick patients early, before they crash.