Case Study: “Using Information Technology to Improve Patient Care” by D.F. McHaney & L. Morrow p 234 in your textbook

Beverly is a nurse manager in a busy operating room. She is logged into a computer at the O.R. desk. Beverly is summoned by a circulating nurse down the hall to speak with one of the surgeons regarding equipment needs for his next case. Since no one was sitting at the O.R. desk and thinking she would be right back, Beverly did not lock her computer.

Lisa, a Certified Registered Nurses Anesthetist (CRNA) who is waiting on her next patient to arrive, sits down at the O.R. desk. She notices the computer at the desk is not locked. Lisa decides to access a coworker EHR, who had a surgical procedure earlier that day that was anesthetized by an anesthesiologist. The circulating RN and scrub tech who were waiting on the same patient, came and sat with Lisa at the O.R. desk. Lisa shares the information about their colleague’s procedure, diagnosis, and prognosis as denoted in the physician progress notes. Lisa also pulls up diagnostic reports on the computer and shows them results.

Once the coworker is discharged from the hospital, the circulating RN shares with her that Lisa had been in her EHR and discussing her case, diagnosis and prognosis with her and the scrub tech. The patient/OR employee reported this incident to the director of Perioperative Services and to Corporate Compliance. An investigation was conducted.

CASE STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. What ethical principles have been compromised by both Beverly and Lisa?

2. What role did technology play in the situation?

3. From the perspecti8ve of a nursing leader, how should this investigation be handled?

4. Should disciplinary action be pursued for either Beverly or Lisa? Explain your answer regarding both infractions.

5. Did the RN and scrub tech take appropriate action? If not, what action(s) should be circulating RN and scrub tech have done?