Final answer:
Nursing agencies select record keeping methods by considering regulations, patient care needs, and system efficiency. They balance treatment costs, patient quality of life, and privacy. Data on disease incidence is obtained through surveys, record reviews, and interviews.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing agencies select their record keeping methods based on a combination of legal requirements, the needs of the patients and healthcare staff, and the efficiency of the system. One key aspect is compliance with healthcare regulations and laws that protect patient privacy and ensure the accuracy and accessibility of medical records. Agencies must balance several factors, such as the costs of treatments and diagnoses, the quality of life for patients, and the privacy risks when developing their policies.
To ensure high-quality patient care and safety, nursing agencies may conduct several checks, such as verifying that all procedural items are accounted for and correctly labeled, as well as addressing any equipment issues. For instance, during a team review, a nurse may confirm that the name of the procedure, the completeness of needle, sponge, and instrument counts, the correct labeling of specimens, and any equipment issues are all addressed.
In terms of public health, agencies may obtain data on the incidence of diseases through processes such as reviewing medical records, conducting surveys like asking a random sample of nurses about their years of experience, and interviewing randomly selected patients. These methods contribute to the overall surveillance and monitoring activities of a public health office.