Comprehensive Guide to Healthcare and Nursing Informatics

What does the term 'informatics' refer to?

Informatics is defined as computer science + information science, focusing on the management and processing of data, information, and knowledge.

What is the origin of the word 'informatics'?

Informatics comes from the French word 'informatique', which means computer science.

What is healthcare informatics?

Healthcare informatics is the integration of information science, health science, computer science, and cognitive science.

What are the subgroups of healthcare informatics?

The subgroups include medical informatics, health informatics, dental informatics, and nursing informatics.

How does the American Nurses Association define nursing informatics?

Nursing informatics is defined as the development of applications, tools, processes, and structures that assist nurses in managing data for patient care.

What is the definition of nursing informatics according to Graves and Corcoran (1989)?

Nursing informatics is a combination of computer science, information science, and nursing science designed to assist in the management and processing of nursing data.

What does Turley (1996) say about nursing informatics?

Turley defines nursing informatics as the intersection point of nursing science, computer science, and information science.

What is the role of technology in nursing informatics?

Technology is used to collect, store, process, display, retrieve, and communicate timely data and information in healthcare facilities.

What are some advantages of manual health care systems?

Advantages include easy implementation, low cost, no extra training required, quick processing, and minimal effort.

What are some disadvantages of manual health care systems?

Disadvantages include maintenance problems, storage issues, excessive paper use, and difficulties in data interpretation.

What is a major problem nurses face in the workplace regarding documentation?

Documentation is excessive, consuming 30 to 60% of nurses' work time and hindering patient interaction.

What is the goal for documentation time in a normal paperless clinical setting?

The goal is for documentation to account for only 15% of a nurse's total shift time.

What does 'turnaround time' refer to in nursing?

Turnaround time refers to the duration from when a request is made until it is fully accomplished, affecting procedures and lab tests.

What impact does long turnaround time have on patients and nurses?

It adds stress for both patients and nurses, often extending the length of hospital stays.

What is the significance of defining nursing informatics?

A definition shapes the specialty, guides role delineation, and helps others understand the legitimacy and competencies of nursing informatics.

What is the focus of nursing informatics as a field?

Nursing informatics focuses on the management and processing of nursing data, information, and knowledge to support nursing practice.

What does the integration of informatics in healthcare aim to achieve?

It aims to improve the management and delivery of patient care through efficient data handling and technology use.

What are the challenges associated with data handling in healthcare?

Challenges include coordination of data, integration with other systems, and accessibility issues for healthcare personnel.

What is the role of cognitive science in healthcare informatics?

Cognitive science contributes to understanding how information is processed and utilized in healthcare settings.

How does nursing informatics support nursing education?

It applies educational resources to enhance nursing education and training in informatics.

What is the relationship between nursing informatics and patient care?

Nursing informatics supports the delivery of nursing care by managing data and information effectively.

What is the importance of timely data communication in nursing informatics?

Timely data communication is crucial for effective decision-making and patient care management.

What are the implications of excessive documentation for nursing practice?

Excessive documentation can lead to burnout and reduced quality of patient interactions.

What is the impact of technology on nursing practice?

Technology enhances the efficiency of data management and supports better patient outcomes.

What is the goal for turnaround time for most orders?

15 minutes turnaround for most orders like laboratories and procedures with simpler preparations.

What is the most commonly committed error in nursing processes?

Medication errors, primarily occurring during ordering and administration.

What is the second most common error in nursing processes?

Labeling errors, which include wrong entries, dictation, translation, and transcription of orders.

What is the goal for nursing procedures to reduce errors?

Procedures should be automated and done at bedside.

Why is communication considered poor in healthcare?

Communication relies solely on telephone systems, which require the presence of both communicators and can breach privacy.

What are some modern communication methods that can improve healthcare communication?

Computers provide chat, telephone, videoconferencing, emails, and simple text messaging.

What outcomes have tertiary hospitals in the Philippines achieved through computerization?

Good outcomes in the organization of files and streamlined processes like billing, admissions, and pharmacy.

What is essential for nursing students regarding healthcare information systems?

Students must learn and be prepared to use automated healthcare information systems.

What memorandum was passed in January 2008 regarding nursing informatics?

CHED Memo No. 5 Series of 2008 requires basic computer subjects with nursing informatics in the curriculum.

When did personal and network-ready computer systems start appearing in the Philippine healthcare community?

In the mid-1970s, primarily used for business and accounting.

What departments were connected to the integrated system in the late 1970s?

Laboratory and imaging departments.

What significant development occurred in the mid-1980s in nursing informatics?

Implementation of order entry where nurses entered medication and lab exam orders.

What advancements occurred in laboratory and radiology information systems in the early to mid-2000s?

Development of LIS and RIS with more flexible programming languages.

What system did the Philippine Heart Center implement in the late 2000s?

The Internet Hospital Based Hospital Information System (HIS).

What inspired the need for reliable documentation in the clinical area?

Florence Nightingale's principles and the need for evidence-based practice (EBP).

What is the impact of evidence-based practice (EBP) on nursing?

EBP depends heavily on accurate documentation.

What is a major challenge faced by new nurses regarding healthcare systems?

New nurses are often unfamiliar with the automated systems despite their computer courses in college.

What is the primary purpose of automating nursing procedures?

To reduce errors and improve efficiency in healthcare delivery.

What is the significance of teaching nursing informatics in nursing education?

It prepares nursing students to effectively use technology in healthcare.

What role does communication technology play in modern healthcare?

It enhances communication between healthcare providers and departments.

What is the relationship between nursing informatics and patient outcomes?

Effective nursing informatics can lead to improved patient outcomes through better documentation and data management.

What are some examples of automated processes in healthcare?

Billing, admissions, pharmacy management, and clinical orders.

How did the use of computers evolve in the Philippine healthcare sector?

From basic billing automation to integrated systems connecting multiple departments.

What is a common issue with traditional communication methods in healthcare?

They can lead to miscommunication and delays in patient care.

What is the expected outcome of implementing automated information systems in hospitals?

Streamlined processes and reduced errors in patient care.

What is a key benefit of bedside automation in nursing?

It allows for immediate access to patient information and reduces the likelihood of errors.