DNP Survey-Participation in the Meaningful Use Incentive Program By Advanced Practice Nurses

Name: Patty Ann Koyl MSN, ARNP-BC (member of FNPN, AANP, OAAPN, STTI, NLN,)

Purpose:  The aim of this study is to determine knowledge levels APNs have for the Meaningful Use Incentive Program, to determine the extent in which APNs are participating in the program, and to identify confidence APNs have for utilizing Health Information Technology in practice.

Introduction:  At the heart of the United States governments’ efforts to improve health care and lower its cost is the adoption and meaningful use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). The recent passage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (2009) includes $ 19 billion dollars for the advancement and exchange of Health Information Technology and includes the use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Incentive programs to encourage eligible professionals to adopt and meaningfully use certified EHRs have recently been implemented by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, 2010). The Meaningful Use Incentive Program (MUIP) is the new federally funded program designed to encourage those who provide care to Medicare or Medicaid recipients to utilize EHRs in practice.

Much work has been done to evaluate the barriers encountered by physicians as they incorporate EHRs into practice. However, no primary studies exist that examine the challenges faced by Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Midwives as they seek to incorporate EHRs into practice or participate in the Meaningful Use Incentive Program. 

Results from this study may help policy makers, nursing educators and nurse practitioners gain a better understanding of the contribution APNs make at delivering care through use of EHRs and Health Information Technology.

 Please help us in determining the extent in which APNs are using EHRs and how confident they are in using HIT in practice by completing this short questionnaire.

It will take only 15 to 20 minutes to complete. There is no known risk for participating in this study and completion of the survey will be considered informed consent. A direct link to the survey/questionnaire is provided here.   

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XMS57MV

Thank you