Nursing Informatics

Define informatics

Broad academic field encompassing AI + computer/information/social sciences

Define Nursing Informatics

The use of technology, information, and data to improve patient care, decision-making, and outcomes

What is the TIGER initiative?

A framework that identifies essential informatics competencies nurses need for modern healthcare

What is the main goal of TIGER?

To prepare nurses to effectively use technology in patient care

What are the key focus areas of TIGER? (6)

• Information & knowledge management

• Documentation

• Decision support

• Research

• Education/training

• Resource planning/logistics

What is information management in nursing?

Collecting, organizing, and using patient data to guide care

What is knowledge management?

Using clinical judgment + data to make informed decisions

Why is documentation important in informatics?

• Communicates patient status

• Ensures continuity of care

• Legal record

• Supports billing/research

What are standardized terminologies?

Structured language used in documentation (e.g., consistent terms for diagnoses/interventions)

What is clinical decision support (CDS)?

Technology that helps nurses make clinical decisions

Examples of decision support?

• Medication alerts

• Abnormal lab flags

• Drug interaction warnings

How is informatics used in research?

• Collects and analyzes data

• Identifies trends

• Improves evidence-based practice

How is informatics used in teaching?

• Simulation labs

• Online learning

• Patient education tools

What does resource planning involve in informatics?

• Staffing

• Equipment tracking

• Supply management

How does informatics help with medications?

• Flags unsafe doses

• Alerts interactions

• Ensures correct administration

How does informatics connect to pathophysiology?

• Links disease processes to lab values and treatments

• Helps interpret abnormal findings

How does informatics help with patient education?

• Provides discharge instructions

• Tracks what patient needs to learn

• Ensures continuity after discharge

What should nurses think about when using informatics?

• What data do I need?

• What is abnormal?

• What does this mean clinically?

• What does the patient need to know?

What is confidentiality in nursing informatics?

Protecting patient information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

What law protects patient health information?

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

What is data security?

Protecting electronic information from breaches or unauthorized access

Examples of security measures?

• Password protection

• Log out of computers

• Not sharing login info

• Encryption

What is falsification of records?

Documenting inaccurate or untrue information → legal issue

Can nurses post about patients on social media (even without names)?

No — this can still identify the patient.

What is considered unprofessional social media use?

• Posting patient info

• Sharing clinical situations

• Complaining about patients

What happens if an action isn’t documented?

Legally, it is considered not done

What is telehealth?

The use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely.

What is telemonitoring?

The remote monitoring of patient health data (e.g., vitals) from home.

What’s the difference between telehealth and telemonitoring?

• Telehealth = communication (visits, education)

• Telemonitoring = continuous data tracking (vitals, symptoms)

Examples of telehealth?

• Video visits

• Phone consultations

• Patient education online

Examples of telemonitoring?

• Blood pressure monitoring at home

• Glucose monitoring

• Heart rate tracking

What is the main goal of telehealth?

Improve access to care.

What is the main goal of telemonitoring?

Early detection of health changes.

Which patients benefit most from telehealth?

• Rural patients

• Limited mobility

• Transportation barriers

Which patients benefit most from telemonitoring?

• Chronic conditions (HF, diabetes, COPD)

• High-risk patients