W1 - Nursing Informatics: Key Concepts
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lecture hours and activities, students will be able to:
Integrate relevant principles of social, physical, natural and health sciences and humanities in Nursing Informatics.
Definition of Nursing Informatics
Nursing informatics is traditionally defined as a specialty that integrates:
Nursing science
Computer science
Information science
Purpose
It manages and communicates data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.
Focuses on nursing science as a foundational block of nursing informatics.
Expanded to include cognitive science and employ the Foundation of Knowledge model.
Foundation of Knowledge Model
Serves as the organizing conceptual framework for nursing informatics.
Tied closely to nursing science and the practice of nursing informatics.
American Nurses Association (ANA) Definition (2016)
Nursing is defined as:
“The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.”
Historical Perspectives
1994: Scope of Practice for Nursing Informatics
Nursing Informatics is a specialty integrating:
Nursing science
Computer science
Information science
Cognitive science
Focus on identifying, collecting, processing, and managing data and information to support:
Nursing practice
Administration
Education
Research
Expansion of nursing knowledge
2001 Definition by American Nurses Association
Nursing Informatics is defined as:
A specialty integrating nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice.
It facilitates integration to support decision-making by patients, nurses, and other providers across roles and settings.
2008 Definition by American Nurses Association
Reiterates nursing informatics as integrating nursing science, computer science, and information science to support decision-making through information structures, processes, and technology.
The Role of Computers in Nursing Informatics
Impact on Nursing Practice
Transition from paper-based to electronic records has transformed nursing documentation practices.
Essential technologies include:
Nursing Information Systems (NISs)
Nursing Applications
Nursing Informatics (NI)
Use of Computers in Nursing Care
Manage patient information
Monitor quality of care
Evaluate outcomes of care
Communicate and access resources via the Internet.
Skills Required for Nurses in Informatics Technology
Use ICT to document and evaluate patient care and access educational resources.
Work in interdisciplinary teams to make ethical decisions regarding technology application.
Protect patient privacy and safety regarding health information technologies.
Historical Overview of Nursing Informatics
Historical Milestones
Prior to 1960s: Introduction of simple computing in nursing through punch cards and data storage methodologies.
1960s: Inquiries into how computers could optimize nursing practices; introduction of online data communication; nurse’s station identified as an information hub.
1970s: Acknowledgment by nurses of the value of computers in improving documentation and care quality; development of state-specific management information systems for healthcare tracking and reimbursement.
1980s: Emergence of informatics as a field; progression and integration of nursing data into healthcare systems, leading to the rise of microcomputers and more accessible healthcare computing.
1990s: Nursing Informatics recognized as a new specialty; push for unified nursing languages and data standards.
2000s: Rapid growth in NI; adoption of interoperability; introduction of electronic health records (EHRs).
2010s: Development of the “Meaningful Use” (MU) program to enhance adoption and functionality of EHR systems.
Nursing Informatics Applications
Clinical Practice
Electronic health records enable:
Patient assessment documentation
Analysis of workload and interventions
Research
Utilize data standards and knowledge bases for evaluations.
Nursing Education
Computer-enhanced courses and online education models transform delivery of nursing training and extend access.
Standard Initiatives in Nursing Informatics
American Nurses Association (ANA) and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) focus on:
Adequate patient record documentation
Required EHR contents
Development of nursing standards and terminologies
Significant Landmark Events and Dates
1961: Formation of HIMSS
1980: First nursing computer journal published
1992: Nursing Informatics recognized as a distinct specialty by the ANA.
2004: Establishment of ONC to guide EHR interoperability initiatives.
The Electronic Health Record (EHR)
Definition
An EHR is a systematic documentation of a client’s health status stored in a secured digital format; it supports efficient quality healthcare and can be processed and accessed by authorized professionals.
Information Management in Nursing
Concepts
Data: Discrete facts without much interpretation (e.g., patient diagnosis).
Information: Data with context and meaning (e.g., combining diagnosis with living status).
Knowledge: Synthesized information that defines relationships (e.g., recognizing risk factors in patient care).
Wisdom: Application of knowledge to solve practical problems in healthcare.
Educational Models and Theories Relevant to Nursing Informatics
Behavioral Theories: Focus on learning habits formed through experiences.
Cognitive Learning Theories: Insights into how learners process information.
Adult Learning Theories: Highlight practical applications of learning for adult students.
Emerging Technologies
Patient Portals
Secure online sites for patients to access health information remotely.
Wearable Technology
Devices that track health metrics and share data with users and healthcare providers, promoting self-management.