Mapua University, in collaboration with Arizona State University, is integrating a simulated electronic health record (EHR) platform into its nursing curriculum, aiming to equip future Filipino nurses with globally competitive documentation skills.

The platform, SimChart by Elsevier, distributed by MegaTEXTS Phil. Inc. in the Philippines, is designed to replicate real-world electronic documentation systems used in hospitals worldwide. It combines practical experience in EHR with integrated educator support.

Dr. Emmillie Joy Mejia, Dean of the Mapúa University School of Nursing, said Filipino nurses are renowned for their clinical skills but noted that some are unfamiliar with EHR technology like SimChart.

“The traditional way of documentation in nursing is through writing in a steel chart,” Mejia said, explaining that nurses would manually record observations and doctor’s advice. “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.”

Mapúa aims to train nursing students early so they are proficient with EHR systems upon deployment to clinical areas and private hospitals. Mejia added that using SimChart will also enable seamless coordination and data sharing among healthcare professionals, including doctors, medical technologists, pharmacists and other nurses.

The collaboration with ASU seeks to make nursing students not only clinically competent but also digitally fluent — an increasingly vital skill in modern healthcare.

“The priority is for our students to be competent,” Mejia said. “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.”

Mejia stressed that SimChart will be a core part of the nursing program’s hands-on training, building confidence in documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. She noted that nurses working abroad who lack EHR experience often experience a hit to their self-esteem.

SimChart will also be available to students in related programs such as pharmacy and medical technology, fostering a collaborative learning environment that mirrors real-world healthcare teamwork.

Mejia highlighted that SimChart’s benefits extend beyond the classroom.

“The use of SimChart means more quality time with the patient and less time for documentation,” she explained. “Since nurses are now using electronic health records, there will be more focus on bedside care rather than dealing with paperwork.”

This initiative marks the first implementation of SimChart Learning in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a significant advantage to Mapúa nursing students and graduates.