Overview of Nursing Informatics

Definition of Informatics

• Involves the interrelated activities of people, technologies, and processes.
• Focuses on transforming data into relevant, useful, and meaningful information.
• Centered around the information needs of people as end users of technologies.

Application in Nursing

• Nurses, technologies (e.g., electronic health records), and healthcare processes transform patient care and data into meaningful information.
• Emphasizes how technologies support safe and effective patient care.

American Nurses Association (ANA) Definition

• Nursing Informatics integrates nursing science with information and analytical sciences.
• Aims to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing.
• Supports decision-making for nurses, patients, interdisciplinary teams, consumers, and stakeholders.

Goals and Outcomes

• Improve patient safety, healthcare quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and cost.

Historical Context

• Recognized as a specialty by ANA since 1992.
• Initial scope and standards developed in the mid-90s; latest revision published in 2014.
• Certification available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Roles of Informatics Nurses

• Clinical Information Systems Implementation: Lead or coordinate EHR system projects.
• System Maintenance: Troubleshoot systems and process issues.
• End-User Education and Training: Focus on practical use of EHR and other technologies.
• Policy Promotion: Reinforce patient safety, data privacy, and EHR-related mandates.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Extract data, create reports for operations, research, and compliance.
• Systems Optimization: Improve usability and workflow of information systems.
• Team Collaboration: Liaison between clinicians and technical experts.

Informatics Competencies for All Nurses

• Vital due to continuous technological advancements in healthcare.
• Basic Computer Competencies: Use of computer hardware (keyboards, scanners) and software.
• Information Literacy: Evaluate the reliability and relevance of information.
• Information Management: Use of EHRs for documentation, communication, and care coordination.

Importance of Nursing Informatics Competencies

• Necessary due to the rapid expansion of EHR technologies.
• Meet electronic submission requirements for compliance with CMS and Joint Commission.
• Facilitate adaptation to the evolving digital healthcare environment.

Conclusion

• Nursing informatics competencies are critical for effective, efficient, and safe patient care.
• Enable nurses to thrive in a fast-paced, technology-driven healthcare landscape.