What is and/or should be nursing’s role in decision making regarding selecting information system
QUESTION
What is and/or should be nursing’s role in decision making regarding selecting information system
Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
What is and/or should be nursing’s role in decision making regarding selecting information system
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 rapidly integrating technology into daily practice. While transforming data into useful knowledge, security and patient privacy must be maintained. Integrating informatics with evidence-based practice (EBP) can only benefit our patients’ care.
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 methods of documentation in the electronic health record more acceptable. A nursing note template is one way to help with our daily workload. The use of 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/or 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 in the area 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 the use of bar code scanners, is implemented. Data collection will continue to determine whether or not the implementation was successful. The most important aspect of implementation is presenting the evidence to staff to determine how the change will improve nurses’ day-to-day actions.
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 difficult for some, informatics will improve nursing practice. We will have faster access to patient information, improved overall efficiency, and fewer potential errors.
What is and/or should be nursing’s role in decision making regarding selecting information system