Integrating Laboratory Reports into Nursing Electronic Health Records for Integrated Care: A Review Study

Background: Integration of laboratory data into electronic nursing health records (EHRs) is essential to ensure patient-centered, holistic care through the provision of immediate access to critical diagnostic data to nurses. This enhances decision-making at the bedside and in care coordination but is challenged by interoperability and usability. Aim: This literature review synthesizes evidence to evaluate the impact of laboratory data integration on patient outcomes, nursing care, and healthcare effectiveness, identifying benefits, barriers, and recommendations. Methods: Systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines, utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for evidence between 2015 to 2024. Search keywords were “electronic health records,” “laboratory data integration,” and “nursing.” Results: Integration enhances clinical decision-making, reduces medication errors by 18%, and improves care coordination, reducing 15% of unnecessary testing. Barriers to integration include the lack of usability of EHRs, inadequate training, interoperability issues, and high costs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Conclusions: Integration of lab data into EHRs enables holistic care but requires user-friendly designs, successful training, and uniform protocols to overcome barriers. Future research should examine longitudinal effects and cost-saving measures.