General Solution
HCS 482
July 14, 2014

General Solution
According to Santamaria, Glance, Prentice, and Fielder (2010), “Accurate, rapid and concise, wound documentation is at the core of good wound care” (p. 174). In order to practice efficient, standardized, electronic wound documentation and management, the solution can be discovered in health informatics software and digital wound imaging technology. The focus of health informatics is the patient and the process of care, and the goal is to enhance the quality and efficiency of care provided (Hebda & Czar, 2013).
Category of Solution Rationale
The rationale for the utilization of health informatics software and digital wound imaging technology is to decrease charting errors, staff frustration, and increase efficiency of wound documentation. It would also enhance workflow, cost-efficiency, and most importantly patient care. Fosco (2012) stated, "Facilities save on labor cost due to more efficient workflow, better clinician and staff time management, accelerated coordination of care, and automated processes” (Labor savings section, para. 1). Using a health informatics software and digital wound imaging technology together allows for an interoperable solution to manage health care information better.
Regulatory, Legal, or Ethical Issues
Regulatory, legal, and ethical recommendations are practiced in the health care setting to ensure safety, security, and reduce or eliminate the risk of injury or illness. When applying a new informatics and technology solution it is imperative that the policies and procedures of the health care organization are followed. The policies and procedures already in place normally meet the requirements of the regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). These regulatory agencies safeguard patient privacy acts,