Introduction to Informatics

• Informatics is a multidisciplinary field combining domain science, computer science, information science, and cognitive science.
• Informatics transforms data and information into knowledge using digital technology.

Healthcare Informatics

• Integrates information science, computer science, and healthcare.
• Optimizes the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of health and biomedicine information.

Nursing Informatics

• It is a nursing specialty integrating nursing science, computer science, and information for data management in nursing practice and functions.
• Integrates nursing, computer, and information sciences.

Computer Systems

• Electronic machines use components and instructions to calculate, process text, and manipulate data.

Computer Hardware

• Consists of the physical components of a computer including circuits, chips, processors, memory, BIOS, and graphic/sound cards.
• The motherboard is the central component made of nonconducting material with copper tracts.
• Computer systems include internal components like storage, cooling and connectors within the case.
• External devices include input/output devices and multimedia elements to enable functionality.
• The motherboard is a thin sheet with mounted internal computer components.
• Memory refers to electronic storage devices or chips on the motherboard.
• Random Access Memory (RAM) is the working memory for temporary storage by the CPU.
• Read-Only Memory (ROM) is permanent storage with manufacturer-programmed instructions; also called firmware.

Cache

• It is small RAM that speeds up processing by storing frequently used data.
• The motherboard has slots for data input and output.
• Input Devices allow data reception from the outside world, like the keyboard and mouse.
• Output devices translate computer results into usable forms like text on a monitor or printer.

Storage Media

• Includes main memory and external devices, with the hard drive as the most common.
• The hard drive is a high-speed, high-density storage device inside the computer.
• A USB flash drive functions like a removable hard drive.
• Optical media includes CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays with higher information density and speed.
• Cloud storage is an online service with commercial servers that function as a unified system via the internet.

Types of Computers

• Supercomputers are designed for scientific applications requiring extensive calculations.
• Mainframes are large systems used by businesses for tasks and storing/retrieving data.
• Microcomputers or PCs are designed to support a single user.
• Handheld computers like PDAs offer functions such as calendars and note-taking.

Software

• Instructions direct computer hardware, distinguished by its non-physical nature.
• There are system, utility, and applications.

System Software

• Programs that control and manage computer hardware.

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

• Stored on a ROM chip.
• Searches for and loads the operating system (OS) into RAM upon startup.
• Considered firmware, the first level of system software.

Operating System (OS)

• The overall controller of the computer’s work.
• Utility programs enhance the computer system's functioning.
• There are security, system management, and backup utilities, and screen savers.
• Archival software compresses files for storage and reduces file sizes for easier transfer.
• Programming support helps developers write and run programs using compilers or interpreters.

Applications Software

• Includes programs for work, data processing, gaming, and communication, designed for users unlike system software.
• Written in programming languages and then compiled into machine language.

Historical Development of Nursing and Computer Integration

• Pre-1960s: Computer use in healthcare began, assisting nurses with administrative tasks
• 1960s: Clinical settings adopted computers for patient status monitoring.
• 1970s: Hospitals developed computer-based information systems.
• 1980s: Nursing informatics grew.
• 1990s: Integrated healthcare systems emerged, and the American Nurses Association (ANA) recognized Nursing Informatics as a specialty.
• 2000s: Healthcare integrated EHRs and wireless devices.
• 2010s: The use of Meaningful Use (MU) regulations occurred, emphasizing digital health and health information exchange.

Nursing Informaticist

• Is a registered nurse experienced in nursing informatics, prepared with graduate-level courses.

Recognition as a Specialty

• In 1992, the ANA recognized nursing informatics with its own knowledge base.
• Nursing informatics addresses the nurse, person, health, and environment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Focuses on nursing-related data.

Organizational Representation

• American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
• International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA)
• Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
• American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA)
• American Academy of Nursing (AAN)

Educational Programs

• Nursing informatics content is included in nursing school curricula.
• Graduate and doctoral programs are now available.

Current State of Nursing Informatics

• A growing nursing specialty is bridging technology and healthcare for patient care.
• Nursing informatics is integrated into nursing school curricula, and graduate programs meet the demand for informatics professionals.

Professional Recognition

• Major nursing organizations recognize Nursing informatics, and the ANIA advocates for technology integration.

Key Focus Areas

• EHRs, HIE, and CDSS improve enhancing patient care.
• Data management and terminology systems are important.
• Focus on patient safety and quality through interoperable health IT.

Technological Impact

• Telehealth, mobile health, and wearable devices expand opportunities, and big data improves outcomes for the patient.

Regulatory Influence

• Meaningful Use (MU) and HITECH Act affect EHR implementation.
• Nursing informatics specialists design and implement systems.
• Nurses with informatics expertise work as consultants.

Emerging Trends

• AI and machine learning enhance decisions and personalized medicine leverages informatics.

Theories, and Frameworks

• They affect healthcare.

Graves and Corcoran's Model

• Nursing informatics is a linear progression from data into information and knowledge.
• Management processing converts data into information and knowledge.

Schiwirian's Model

• Nursing informatics involves identification of needs and attainment of goals.
• The model includes nursing information, technology, users, and goals.
• It provides a flexible four-dimensional structure for NI research.

Communication Theory

• Analyzes information transfer using information science concepts.
• Bruce Blum's taxonomy provides key concepts:
• Data: Raw, uninterpreted entities
• Information: Processed data
• Knowledge: Synthesized information with interrelationships

Systems Theory

• Relates to system organization and relationships.
• It focuses on healthcare.

Data Collection

• Gathering patient data from sources like EHRs.

Data Analysis

• Reviewing data to identify health trends.

Data Validation

• Ensuring data accuracy for decision-making.

Data Interpretation

• Extract analytical insights to guide clinical decisions.

Reporting

• Presenting findings in an understandable way.
• It should improve practices.

Data

• Raw, unprocessed facts or figures without context (e.g., numbers).

Database

• A structured data collection organized for storage and manipulation.

Data Lifecycle

• The stages data passes through;Creation/Collection, Storage, Processing, Usage, and Sharing/Transfer.

Data Disposal/Deletion

• Secure deletion when data is no longer needed.

Nelson Data

• Raw, meaningless facts.

Information

• Organized and labeled data.

Knowledge

• Interprets that information.

Context and Pattern Knowledge

• Understands significance through context

Wisdom

• Synthesizes knowledge and takes action.

Personal

• Tracks individual data for self-improvement.

Professional Informatics

• Applies informatics in professional settings like healthcare.

Educational Informatics

• Integrates technology in educational settings.