Malvern, Pa., - Siemens has launched their new Clinical IT for Academics, a web-based education tool enabling nursing schools to strengthen their programs by providing students and faculty with simulated Siemens IT systems used in hospitals - all without the high cost of equipment or specialized instructors. This offering comes as increasing patient safety and quality measures are driving healthcare institutions to leverage technology to address these challenges, along with increased demand among schools of nursing to integrate IT within their educational programs.

Because Siemens understands the importance of preparing future healthcare workers for a workplace heavily reliant on IT, Clinical IT for Academics is an attractive alternative to traditional classroom-only automated documentation by offering online, anytime, anywhere access to seven interactive courses customizable to existing curricula or used as stand-alone learning platforms. This adaptability makes Clinical IT for Academics perfect for educational institutions utilizing various learning environments, such as learning labs, simulated labs, and even off-site locations.

Siemens Clinical IT for Academics has already been successfully tested at Villanova University's College of Nursing in Villanova, Pennsylvania, where reports show that of the 35 students who participated in the trial, nearly 90% had either no or limited knowledge of nursing documentation systems prior to taking the courses. After completing them, 100% said they found the courses helpful and nearly 80% said they feel more confident now about using computerized nursing documentation systems. Almost every participant also indicated they accessed the courses through their home computer, while the remainder visited an on-campus learning lab.

"As healthcare relies more and more on integrated information management systems to provide safe and effective care, it is critical that nursing students develop the knowledge and skills needed to use clinical information systems," says Lesley Perry, PhD, RN, Associate Dean, Villanova University College of Nursing. "Our graduates will be expected to be competent in incorporating information technology systems into their practice and need the opportunity to experience such systems during their academic programs."

Because Clinical IT for Academics is portal-based, nursing schools avoid the hassle of implementing and maintaining an actual IT system, driving costs down while still broadening the student nurse's IT education. Additionally, each school receives an Organization Transcript Report from Siemens up to four times per year detailing which learners accessed which courses and whether they were successful in completing the assessments, helping schools better track student success rates and tailor their Clinical IT for Academics curriculum paths for each academic year.

"As the use of technology in healthcare continues to increase, it is extremely important that our academic programs incorporate this type of education into their curriculums," says Gail E. Latimer, RN, MSN, FACHE, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Siemens Healthcare. "Siemens is proud to support the education of our future nurses by helping to prepare them for the technology-driven workplace."

More information about Siemens Clinical IT for Academics can be found on Siemens' website www.usa.siemens.com/IT4Academics.

Source: healthnewsdigest.com