In this e-learning segment, we'll go through an overview of Nursing Informatics.
What is Nursing Informatics? Before we take a close look at what Nursing Informatics is, let's
define the term informatics first. At its core, informatics refers to an interrelated activity
involving people, technologies, and processes. This interconnected triad allows trusted data
to be applied in a manner that is relevant, useful, and meaningful. Although there are
three fundamental components in informatics, the interrelated activities are essentially centered
around information needs of people as end users of technologies.
Applying this definition of informatics to nursing,
nurses, technologies used by nurses, such as an electronic health record or EHR system,
and health care processes, such as nursing documentation, interrelate to transform patient
care and clinical data into relevant, useful, and meaningful information in nursing practice. Again,
the focus is on nurses and how technologies support and facilitate effective and safe patient
care. Although this diagram does not represent a comprehensive definition of Nursing Informatics,
it applies the fundamental elements of informatics in nursing. The American
Nurses Association or ANA has provided a more comprehensive definition of Nursing Informatics.
Per the ANA's definition, nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science
with multiple information and analytical sciences. This integration aims to identify, define,
manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.
Nursing Informatics supports decision making through the use of information structures,
information processes, and information technology, enabling nurses as well as patients,
the interdisciplinary healthcare team, consumers, and other stakeholders in all roles and settings
to achieve desired outcomes such as improvements in patient safety, healthcare quality,
effectiveness, efficiency, and cost. Nursing Informatics has been recognized as
a specialty in nursing by the American Nurses Association since 1992. The initial scope and
standards of practice for Nursing Informatics were developed in the mid 90s and the latest
revision entitled Nursing Informatics Scope and Standards of Practice was published in 2014.
Similar to other specialties in nursing, nurses who work in the field of Nursing Informatics
can apply for specialty certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Nurses who specialize in Nursing Informatics play a variety of roles at all levels within healthcare
organizations. Some of these roles include clinical information systems implementation.
For example, an informatics nurse may lead or coordinate a project to implement or
upgrade an EHR system. An informatics nurse also plays an active role in ensuring that
the EHR runs smoothly and efficiently by troubleshooting systems and process issues.
Another vital role of an informatics nurse is an end-user education and training,
especially around the practical use of an EHR or other technologies in patient care.
Informatics nurses also promote and reinforce guidelines and policies around patient safety,
data privacy and confidentiality, and EHR-related mandates. Data analysis and reporting may also be
performed by an informatics nurse. This role may involve extracting data from an EHR, for instance,
and creating reports that can be used for day-to-day operations, health research,
predictive analytics, as well as attestation of compliance with federal and state mandates.
Next, systems optimization relates to the continuous improvement of the EHR
and other healthcare technologies. With knowledge and skills in systems and workflow analysis,
an informatics nurse can influence or lead efforts to improve the usability of information systems in
practice settings. And, as nursing is part of a multi-disciplinary team, an informatics nurse
works closely with other members of the healthcare team to ensure the proper functioning of the EHR
and other patient care technologies. Oftentimes, an informatics nurse acts as a liaison between
clinicians and technical experts. These are some of the core competencies of informatics nurses.
Not all nurses are expected to have these specialized skills to perform their duties.
However, there are fundamental informatics competencies that all nurses
must be equipped with, especially in today's high-tech healthcare environment.
Why are nursing informatics competencies vital for all practicing nurses? One of the main reasons is
that innovations and technologies in healthcare have been continuously advancing and will continue
to evolve. Over the past decade, in particular, use of EHR technologies has expanded rapidly. In
fact, by 2017, more than 95% of hospitals and 80% of provider offices across the nation have adopted
certified EHR technologies. Consequently, as the largest group of professionals in the forefront
of care, nurses are greatly impacted by these technological advances. In addition, agencies
such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or CMS as well as the Joint Commission
require the electronic submission of specific EHR data to test compliance with meaningful use
or accreditation rules. Nurses are significant contributors to meeting these requirements.
So, what nursing informatics competencies do all practicing nurses need? There's a wide range
of competencies related to informatics but the fundamental knowledge and skills in informatics
for all practicing nurses can be essentially categorized into basic computer competencies,
information literacy, and information management. Some of the basic computer competencies include
knowledge and skills in using computer hardware such as keyboards, mouse, barcode scanners, and
other point of care technologies. Nurses also need to be proficient in basic software applications
such as word processing and spreadsheets. And, part of basic computer competencies covers the
effective use of electronic communication and navigation of the internet and other
online resources. Information literacy includes the ability to strategically search, access,
and evaluate health information. With relatively easy and rapid access to a wealth of information,
nurses must be able to assess the reliability, credibility, relevance, and value of information.
Equally important is nurses knowledge around EHR-related standards, policies, procedures,
and regulatory requirements. Information management refers broadly to the appropriate
use of the EHR and other healthcare technologies. Nurses' EHR competencies around documentation,
communication, care coordination, use of decision support, and other clinical processes are vital
in health care. A significant part of information management is to protect and secure the electronic
data of patients as well as maintain the integrity of patient privacy and confidentiality.
In this digital age, technologies and healthcare will undoubtedly evolve and continuously grow.
Competencies around computer usage, information literacy, and information management are vital
for nurses. And, these competencies facilitate nurses ability to adapt and thrive in this
fast-paced environment in order to provide effective, efficient, quality, and safe care.