HCIN 552 / Cerner Lab Competency
HCIN 552 introduced theory and applied practice of clinical documentation systems, including hands on experience with Cerner electronic medical record system (EMR) through a total of five lab courses with Instructor Lori Allshouse. As a Clinical Informaticist at Sharp Coronado Hospital, Lori Allshouse manages the implementation, training, evaluation, and support of Cerner in conjunction with system-wide Information Systems. By providing end-user support to medical staff and EMR training for the University of San Diego, she is able to facilitate communications between end-users (including students) and Information Systems staff.
Throughout this course, students were able to explore hardware/software development requirements for EMRs and application of EMR data for: quality, risk assessment, billing, and research applications. Clinical rules and alert systems for both Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems were also explained, and students practiced order entry from both physician and nurse end-user perspectives. Hands on experience was also offered for clinical devices that assisted in medication administration such as Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA).
During each lab course, students were given temporary Cerner sign in credentials and were able to log in to Cerner with a mock patient list complete with orders, assessments, and demographics. We were provided complete access the EMR modules and were able to navigate through the EMR as a clinician would. We were able to create documentation, new orders, and complete evaluations. Instructor Allshouse covered several Cerner modules, and in-class assignments and quizzes were given to ensure students were on track to completing the course. The training culminated with a final competency exam wherein we were tested on all modules of Cerner functionality, including: critical and acute care and ED nursing, EMR workflow, BCMA, and physician documentation. A passing score was required to demonstrate skills in the use of Cerner, and upon completion, students were awarded the Certificate of Competency.
This competency course specifically fulfills the Health Science Knowledge and Skills Outcome through direct training and application of EMR systems. Through EMR module training, health care informatics students get a first-hand view of the clinician end-user perspective and are provided an outline of health care provider roles. Students broaden their knowledge of health science and are shown the significance of informatics in the health care setting.