Nursing Informatics

ANSWER

Nursing informatics is defined by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society as “a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.” Because of rapidly changing technological advances, informatics is becoming more prevalent in our profession. Healthcare systems are quickly integrating technology into daily practice. While transforming data into valuable knowledge, security and patient privacy must be maintained. Integrating informatics with evidence-based practice (EBP) can only benefit our patients’ care. Nursing Informatics

Applying technology to knowledge may aid in the early detection of potential problems. For example, because the information is readily available with electronic documentation, identifying changes in patient status can occur quickly. Patient vital sign trending is always available, and the data is interpreted, systematized, and organized. This knowledge enables the nurse to formalize an appropriate plan of action.

Standardizing nursing language will make new documentation methods in the electronic health record more acceptable. A nursing note template is one way to help with our daily workload. Using a template can help you remember important information required in patient care documentation.

Informatics programs in healthcare organizations are developed using research studies, patient care data, and national and local standards. Other indicators include ROI analysis, patient preferences and needs, and infection control data. How is the need for technology being met? Assume a high rate of medication errors is discovered. An investigation into how and why the errors occur is required. Data collection from other facilities may be part of the research to see if the same problem exists elsewhere. The findings are presented to a review board following data collection. A solution to the problem, such as using barcode scanners, is implemented. Data collection will continue to determine whether or not the implementation was successful. The most critical aspect of performance is presenting the evidence to staff to determine how the change will improve nurses’ day-to-day actions. Nursing Informatics

Nursing informatics is a rapidly expanding field. As nurses, we face constantly changing and challenging practice situations; competence in nursing informatics promises to improve our clinical decision-making abilities. While new technology may be complicated for some, informatics will improve nursing practice. We will have faster access to patient information, improved overall efficiency, and fewer potential errors.

QUESTION

Create a Poster

Weekly Objectives 3 and 4 are addressed in this assignment.

1. Reflect on the issue you chose as a topic for your Creative Technology Proposal Project that is due in Week 4.
2. Collect published information to write a literature-based explanation of the issue. Then, propose a specific strategy to address the specific cause or negative outcome of the issue. Finally, collect published information to confirm the proposed strategy will work to address the cause or outcome.
3. Create a presentation poster to disseminate your literature-based issue and strategy. Assume your presentation poster will be used to present the issue and strategy to nursing colleagues and leaders. Review poster presentations from the ANIA for reference. (Use the View Posters from Past ANIA Conferences link to view posters from 2019 and previously).