ni lec 1

• Informatics


  The field of applied science concerned with the processing of information
• Nursing Informatics


  A specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice to support patients, nurses, and other providers in their decision-making in all roles and settings
• Nursing Informatics is the integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. This data approach to patient care enhances the clinical experience for health care providers and patients.
• Competencies needed to maximize the potential of Nursing Informatics

  • Basic computer competencies
  • Information literacy
  • Information management
• Basic computer competencies


  Knowledge and skill in using computer hardware, proficiency in using basic software applications, and the effective use of online resources
• Information literacy


  The ability to strategically search, access, and evaluate health information. With the rapid access of these information, nurses must be able to assess its reliability and credibility.
• Information management


  Proper use of EHR and other health care related technologies. Nurses should also protect, secure, and maintain the integrity of patient information privacy and confidentiality
• Data


  Unprocessed information that does not need any interpretation such as patient's name, age, vital signs
• Information


  Processed or interpreted data. Examples are number of laboratory service requests, percentage of recovered patients
• Knowledge


  The combination of different information that provide further observations. Examples: the effect of nurse-patient ratios and patient outcomes, developing care protocols
• Information is doubling every 5 years, if not tripling in quality and quantity
• Information is power
• Technology facilitates the creative process in nurses, affording amazing vehicles for patient education, teaching and learning
• Nursing Informatics provides health promotion and prevention in a global scene
• To safely care for patients, nurses require the knowledge. To acquire a thorough view of a patient's clinical status, they must have access to medical histories, medication lists, lab and imaging findings, and doctor/interdisciplinary team notes. They make decisions more effectively using this information to enhance the quality of patient care.
• Healthcare informaticists, including pharmacists, doctors, and other professionals, are crucial to the ongoing development and advancement of medical technology. Unquestionably, one of the most crucial elements of patient safety is communication.
• The development and improvement of technology, such as electronic medical records and automated provider ordering, with the help of nurse informaticists has been essential in lowering medical errors, patient care delays, and healthcare expenditures.
• Before the CPOE, nurses would need to transcribe provider orders by hand. Transcription inaccuracies are usually caused by hard-to-read handwriting and human error. These errors can lead to medication errors, delays, and omissions.
• Today, software allows doctors to choose the appropriate drug, dose, and frequency with the press of a button. To further ensure patient safety, some programs also cross-check orders against the patient's allergies and/or duplicate orders.
• Top responsibilities of a nurse informaticist

  • Systems implementation
  • System optimization/utilization
  • Project management
  • Systems development
  • Quality initiatives/reporting
  • Informatics education
  • Training, nursing practice support/redesign
  • Applying data to support clinical care
  • System design
  • Information retrieval
  • Data interpretation and visualization
  • System analysis
  • Fostering innovation
  • Change Control Strategy
  • Applying technology for health equity and access to care
  • Enhancing digital platforms
  • Artificial intelligence in nursing care
• Seven time periods in the history of Nursing Informatics

  • Prior to 1960's
  • 1960's
  • 1970's
  • 1980's
  • 1990's
  • 2000's
  • 2010's
• Computers were initially used in healthcare for basic office, administrative and financial accounting functions prior to the 1960's.
• In the 1960's, nursing practice standards were reviewed, studies about computer utilization were conducted, and the Nursing Station was considered as the "HUB of INFORMATION". There was also a proliferation of ICUs and an estimated 40% increase in time spent documenting patients.
• In the 1970's, nurses assisted and were involved in the design and implementation of Healthcare Information Systems. Hospitals began developing computer-based information systems, and educational conferences and workshops regarding computer technology and Nursing were held. Computerized Physician Entry (CPOE) and a few systems about care planning and decision support system were developed. Automation in public health agencies began as a result to pressure standardize data collection.
• In the 1980's, Nursing Informatics exploded and became visible in the Healthcare Industry. The ANA approved the formation of the Council on Computers Applications in Nursing (CCAN), microcomputers were released, and PCs were user-friendly allowing nurses to design their own systems. Patient Safety improved with the introduction of Automated Dispensing Cabinets that replaced medication carts and other applications.
• In the 1990's, large integrated healthcare delivery systems evolved further, creating the need for information across healthcare facilities within the large systems to standardize processes, control costs and assure quality care. The Internet was used for higher performance in computing and information. Nursing Informatics is formally accepted as a new nursing specialty by ANA with a separate scope of Nursing Informatics practice standards and credentialing examination. It is introduced as an academic program and an academic nursing course.
• In the 2000's, hospitals became "Paperless", and data capture and data sharing technological tools influenced health care and nursing. Clinical Information System became individualized in the electronic patient record, and mobile computing devices were introduced. Bar coding and Radio Frequency Identification emerged useful to match "Right Patient, Right Medication" for patient safety. Voice over Internet Protocol provided voice cost-effective communication.
• In the 2010's, the Nursing Informatics expert/specialist had an important role as an integral component of all professional nursing services. There was a shift towards a consumer-centric healthcare system, where consumers are encouraged to be active partners in managing their own health. Access to personal health records increased, and Healthcare information Literacy improved. Patient Portals, a secure online site where a patient accesses his or her personal health record, and wearable technologies to track health and fitness emerged.
• Nursing Practice Standards are the organizing principles of clinical nursing practice and the standards of professional performance.
• Education Standards require baccalaureate and graduate education to use computer and informatics.
• Content Standards are the recognition of the terminologies and for determining if they have met the criteria to be included in the National Library of Medicine.