Effects of a Modified Nurse Training Program on Completion Rate of Forms and Assessments in the Electronic Medical Record.

Abstract

This retrospective study of an electronic medical record database evaluated a modified training program aimed at improving documentation completion percentages in eight skilled nursing facilities across Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, and Wisconsin. The program involved a weeklong curriculum tailored to increase proficiency with the electronic medical record system, focusing on five key documentation forms: Admission Assessment, Morse Fall Risk Assessment, Braden Risk Assessment, Elopement Risk Assessment, and Weekly Skin Check. Data were collected between February 2023 and July 2023. A 3-month preimplementation phase served as the baseline control, representing the period prior to the nurses undergoing the modified training program. Data from the 3-month period after implementation was used for comparison. The sample included 47 nurses. Data analysis consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics, with two-tailed paired t tests showing significant mean improvements (P < .001) in documentation completion percentages ranging from 42% to 70% across all five forms. Although causality could not be inferred, significant improvements were observed following the training program.