Obtaining informed consent in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is crucial but is often prone to errors, delays, and inefficiencies. Traditional paper-based consent processes at the Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center were found to have issues such as inconsistent documentation and time-consuming manual procedures.

To address these challenges, a team of registered nurses (RNs) implemented an electronic consent (e-consent) system using the Epic platform, aiming to streamline the process, improve patient safety, and boost operational efficiency.

The e-consent system was integrated into the Epic platform, allowing RNs to complete consent forms digitally, directly linking them to the patient’s electronic health record (EHR). Key features of the system include real-time tracking of consent status, error and incomplete documentation, immediate reflection of consent in the EHR, and improved prioritization of urgent consents.

Since the implementation of e-consent, there has been a significant reduction in consent errors and improved accuracy, enhanced timeliness of documentation, better compliance with regulatory requirements, and a reduced administrative burden through decreased paper use—contributing to improved financial stewardship.

Additionally, time management for RNs has been optimized, with quicker access to consent documentation helping to reduce treatment delays. The implementation of e-consent in the ICU using the Epic platform has significantly improved patient care processes, accuracy in documentation, and overall ICU efficiency.

This RN-driven initiative demonstrates how technology can optimize financial resources, enhance patient safety, and improve time management in critical care settings. The success of this project serves as a model for other departments aiming to improve patient outcomes through technology.