PERSPECTIVES OF NURSES TO THE INTEGRATION OF THE NATIONAL EARLY WARNING SIGNS IN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS IN SAUDI ARABIA

The integration of the National Early Warning Signs (NEWS) into Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is a significant advancement aimed at enhancing patient safety and clinical outcomes. However, the success of this integration depends on the perspectives of frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who are the primary users of both systems. This study explores the perspectives of nurses in Saudi Arabia regarding the integration of NEWS into EHRs to identify benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement. A qualitative-descriptive design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 20 nurses working in critical care and general wards across three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to gather diverse perspectives. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes related to the integration process, system usability, and its impact on nursing practice. Nurses expressed mixed reactions to the integration of NEWS into EHRs. While many appreciated the system’s ability to enhance patient safety through real-time monitoring, they also highlighted significant challenges. Key themes that emerged include difficulties with system usability, insufficient training, and concerns about increased workload. Nurses reported that the integration disrupted their workflow, and that the system needed to be more intuitive for effective use in fast-paced environments. The findings suggest that while nurses recognize the potential benefits of integrating NEWS into EHRs, addressing the usability and training challenges is crucial. Ensuring that nurses are equipped with adequate support and resources will be key to the successful implementation of this system.