Nursing Informatics Concepts, Principles, and Theories PDF

Concepts, Principles and Theories in Nursing Informatics Nursing informatics is an established and growing area of specialization in nursing. All nurses employ information technologies in their practice. Informatics nurses are key persons in the design, development, implementation, and eval...

Concepts, Principles and Theories in Nursing Informatics Nursing informatics is an established and growing area of specialization in nursing. All nurses employ information technologies in their practice. Informatics nurses are key persons in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of these technologies and in the development of the specialty’s body of knowledge. INFORMATICS AND HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS Informatics is a science that combines a domain science, computer science, information science, and cognitive science. Thus, it is a multidisciplinary science drawing from varied theories and knowledge applications. Healthcare informatics may be defined as the integration science, and cognitive science to assist in the management of healthcare information. Healthcare informatics is a subdiscipline of informatics. Imagine a large umbrella named informatics and imagine many persons under this umbrella. Each person represents a different domain science, one of which is healthcare informatics. Healthcare informatics addresses the study and management of healthcare information. NURSING INFORMATICS AS A SPECIALTY The scope of nursing informatics practice includes activities such as developing and evaluating applications, tools, processes, and strategies that assist registered nurses in managing data to support decision-making. This decision-making can encompass any and all of the following areas of nursing practice; client care, research, education, and administration. Information handling—the process involved in managing data, information, and knowledge—includes naming, organizing, grouping, collecting, processing, analyzing, storing, retrieving, transforming, communicating data and information. The core phenomenon of nursing are the nurse, patient, health, and environment. Nursing informatics is interested in these core phenomena, decision-making, data, information, and knowledge, as well as information structures and technologies. It is this special focus on the information of nursing that distinguishes nursing informatics form other nursing specialties. Nursing informatics intersects with other domains and disciplines concerned with the management of data, information, and knowledge. The boundaries and intersections are flexible and allow for the inevitable changes and growth that evolve over time. A. Informatics Theory Nursing informatics is a rapidly evolving field that blends nursing science with information science and computer science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. Understanding the core concepts, principles, and theories underpinning this field is crucial for nurses to effectively utilize technology and improve patient care. This introduction will explore the foundational elements that shape the practice of nursing informatics. 1. NURSING INFORMATICS MODELS a. Graves and Concoran’s Model (1989) Nursing informatics as linear Progression: Data -> Information -> Knowledge  Management processing is integrated within each element, depicting nursing informatics as the proper management of knowledge – from data as it is converted into information and knowledge B. Schwirian’s Model (1986) Patricia Schwirian - proposed a model intended to stimulate and guide systematic research in nursing informatics in 1986. Nursing informatics involves identification of information needs, resolution of the needs, and attainment of nursing goals/objectives. Model/framework that enables identification of significant information needs, that can foster research (somewhat similar to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) C. Turley’s Model (1996) Nursing informatics is the intersection between the discipline-specific science (nursing) and the area of informatics Core components of informatics Cognitive Science  Information Science Computer Science D. Data – Information – Knowledge Model: NI is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom into nursing practice (ANA) Nursing informatics is an evolving, dynamic process involving the conversion of data into information, and subsequently knowledge Important Note: Processing of information does not always result in the development of knowledge. E. Benner’s Level of Expertise Model Every nurse must be able to continuously exhibit the capability to acquire skills (in this case, computer literacy skills parallel with nursing knowledge), and then demonstrate specific skills beginning with the very first student experience Level of Expertise: Novice – individuals with no experience of situations and related content in those situations where they are expected to perform tasks Advanced Beginner – marginally demonstrate acceptable performance having built on lessons learned in their expanding experience base; needs supervision Competent– enhanced mastery and the ability to cope with and manage many contingencies Proficient – evolution through continuous practice of skills, combined with professional experience and knowledge; individual who appreciates standards of practice as they apply in nursing informatics Expert – individual with mastery of the concept and capacity to intuitively understand the situation and immediately target the problem with minimal effort or problem solving. Computer System Computer Hardware  The physical components of a computer system, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drives, SSDs), input devices (keyboard, mouse), and output devices (monitor, printer). Nurses utilize various hardware for electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and telehealth technologies. Understanding hardware limitations and capabilities is crucial for efficient and reliable data management. Computer Software Systems The programs and applications that run on computer hardware. This includes operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), database management systems (DBMS), and specialized nursing applications (EHRs, medication administration systems). Nurses interact with various software daily. Proficiency in using these systems ensures accurate data entry, efficient workflow, and improved patient care. Understanding software limitations and potential errors is vital. Open Source and Free Software Software with publicly accessible source code, allowing modification and redistribution. Free software is often available at no cost, but licensing terms may vary. Open-source software can offer cost-effective solutions for healthcare settings, particularly in resource-constrained environments. It can also facilitate collaboration and customization. Data Assessment The process of evaluating the quality, completeness, and accuracy of data. This includes identifying data gaps, inconsistencies, and errors. Accurate data is crucial for effective patient care and decision-making. Nurses need to assess data quality to ensure reliable information for treatment plans and research. Personal, Professional, and Educational Informatics The application of information technology to personal, professional, and educational aspects of nursing. This includes using technology for self-learning, professional networking, and managing personal information. Nurses use technology for continuing education, accessing professional resources, and staying updated on best practices. Effective use of these technologies enhances professional development and patient care. The Internet A global network connecting billions of devices worldwide. It provides access to vast amounts of information, communication tools, and online services. The internet is an indispensable tool for nurses, providing access to medical databases, research articles, online courses, and communication platforms.