Mapúa University, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), is set to revolutionize nursing education in the Philippines through the integration of SimChart, a simulated electronic health record (EHR) platform.

Distributed by MegaTEXTS Phil. Inc., SimChart is developed by Elsevier and is a cutting-edge educational tool that replicates real-world electronic documentation systems used in hospitals worldwide. It combines hands-on experience with integrated educator support to equip nursing students with critical skills in electronic charting and patient documentation.

It is designed as a system that combines practical, real-world experience in electronic documentation with fully integrated educator support to help incorporate EHR practice into the nursing program.

It is a learning tool for both nursing students and healthcare professionals that enables one to master electronic charting, enhance clinical judgment in patient care, and thrive in today’s modern health care environment.

“Filipino nurses are globally recognized for their clinical skills,” Mejia said, but noted that many are unfamiliar with digital charting platforms like SimChart due to reliance on traditional, handwritten records.

“The traditional way of documentation in nursing is through writing in a steel chart. Whenever the doctors do their rounds, the nurses hold the chart and whatever is the advice or the nurses’ observations, we do it in writing,” she explained.

To address this gap, Mapúa turned to Elsevier for solutions. “Given the situation, we asked Elsevier for any software or resources that can bridge the gap between nurses and how the electronic health record is being done. The company introduced us to SimChart," Mejia added.

The university aims to train student nurses early so they’re familiar with EHR systems before entering clinical environments. SimChart also allows for seamless interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling coordination with doctors, pharmacists, med techs, and fellow nurses.

Through the ASU-Mapúa partnership, students will emerge not only as clinically skilled but also as digitally fluent healthcare professionals.

“The priority is for our students to be competent,” Mejia stressed. “The skills of Filipino nurses are good already but with SimChart, especially if they’re going to work abroad, they would know how to use it and there would be no unfamiliarity when the work setting requires its use.”

SimChart will be integrated into nearly half of Mapúa’s nursing program, providing hands-on experience in both clinical and lab settings. “SimChart will be a core part of that experience to help our nursing students build confidence in documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration,” she said.

Mejia emphasized that a lack of exposure to EHR platforms like SimChart can affect the confidence of nurses working abroad. “The use of SimChart also develops the skill of collaborating with other healthcare workers,” she said, adding that it helps students learn real-time data interpretation and team coordination.

SimChart will also be rolled out in allied health programs such as Pharmacy and Medical Technology to foster a collaborative learning environment reflective of real-world healthcare settings.

Beyond academics, the system’s integration promises better patient care. “The use of SimChart means more quality time with the patient and less time for documentation,” Mejia explained. “Since nurses are now using electronic health records, there will be more focus on bedside care rather than dealing with paperwork.”

Mapúa is the first university in the Asia-Pacific region to implement SimChart Learning, giving its students and future graduates a strong advantage in the global healthcare workforce.