Response 1:
Nursing Informatics competencies are categorized in three categories which include basic computer skills, informatics knowledge, and informatics skills (Farzandipour et al., 2020). Basic computer skills pertain to being able to use a computer minimally, like turning it on and off, solving common issues a computer may have, ability to use excel, word, and powerpoint applications, send emails, along with ability to use a simple internet engine to search things up (Farzandipour et al., 2020). Nursing informatics knowledge addresses whether a nurse can describe information needed for nursing (key terms and concepts), ability to understand that some interactions cannot be done on computers, understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and privacy when using a computer, recognizing that data is an important factor for improving practice (Farzandipour et al., 2020). Lastly informatics skills include being able to collect data and information related to clinical care, being able to use applications for nursing diagnostics and coding, being able to use software programs and application to implement care, being able to teach and guide system users, and being able to use software programs and applications to implement discharge planning (Farzandipour et al., 2020).
With that being said, it is evident to see that nurses that are newer would need to be aware of the bare minimal such as ensuring that they have basic computer skills and some informatics knowledge such as maintain privacy and confidentiality. Experienced nurses would need to have informatics knowledge as would an entry level nurse, however, they would also need to have informatics skills as this is what would allow them to train new nurses on programs that are needed to complete their daily tasks in regards to patient care. Going into further explanation informatics nurses would be the most trained and knowledgeable in informatics competencies as their expertise would be in the technology aspect of providing care.
How has health information technology influenced current nursing practice
Health information technology (HIT or Health IT) is a broad concept that includes a variety of technologies, including computer equipment, system software, and infrastructure that records, stores, protects, and retrieves clinical, administrative, or financial information (Zadvinskis et al., 2018). It has revolutionized how the nursing practice has access and cares for patients. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (2011) mentions that Health IT allows for faster and more accurate prescribing for patients, rapid information sharing, reduced paper work, reduced unnecessary tests, better follow up and follow through, along with secure access of information. Prior to Health IT, patient charts were paper charts and this meant that the nurse had to actively look for the chart, before being able to make changes in a patients chart. Now with the inclusion of technology, nurses just need to turn on their computer and look up the patient information that they are looking for. This also allows more than one nurse to access the patients chart to prevent the delay of care. Prescriptions were strictly paper and therefore patients had to ensure not to lose the prescription and also needed to stand in line at the pharmacy to drop off the prescription. With e-scripts, the provider directly send the prescription to the patients desired pharmacy and only needs to wait in line to pick up. This promotes faster care for the patient.
Response 2:
Healthcare is an essential aspect for the family unit and the general public. Therefore, the medical practitioners involved in service or healthcare delivery must be equipped with comprehensive knowledge that is considered vital for facilitating the medical process. The concept of health informatics has risen as among the abilities or skills that all medical practitioners should possess. Health informatics is defined as the study of the development and implementation of innovations based on IT information in offering healthcare services, including management, planning, and service delivery (Farzandipour et al., 2021). Therefore, informatics is the study of computers and their systems applied in the medical sector in diverse departments. Nursing informatics is under the HI. It is a science that combines nursing and knowledge with information and communication technologies to improve the health of individuals and families across the globe. The informatics competencies required by nurses differ depending on the nurses’ qualification levels, from entering into practice, experienced nurses, informatics nurses, and nurse specialists, and it influences one’s practice significantly.
The entry-level nursing practice necessitates the possession of valuable informatics skills that would help transform the nursing practice and, specifically, the delivery of care to patients. In this regard, newly graduated nurses are required to possess technical skills that include computers (Honey et al., 2017). Additionally, nurses at this level are required to have the skills that would assist them in applying patient care technologies, including data monitoring devices and monitors, in handling a presented health situation of a patient. Nurses at the entry positions should also be competent in using information technology systems such as decision support systems to obtain the needed evidence to guide their practice. Informatics competencies for experienced nurses have increased in complexity. The required skills and knowledge for individuals at this level include using an IT system to obtain timely and updated clinical information. Practicing nurses should have the skills to use the system to search for procedures and developments in a particular field. Also, they should be able to apply informatics and technology to facilitate their decision-making processes and ensure optimal patient outcomes are reached. Lastly, the nurses should obtain and analyze patient data for dissemination.
The informatics nurse is proficient with informatics application to provision all parts of nursing staff, fiscal management, integrate multidisciplinary language and standards of practice, demonstrate critical thinking, and develop database structures to facilitate clinical care, education, or research (Darvish et al., 2014). Nursing leaders or nurse specialists have specific informatics competencies that suit their respective roles. According to Westra and Delaney (2008), the informatics competencies that nursing specialists or leaders should possess include knowledge and skills for planning, supporting, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the informatics initiatives and not undertaking the actions themselves. For example, a nursing leader is not tasked with using informatics skills to use management software. Instead, the leader guides the other nurses utilizing the information they possess. This group of individuals must also have comprehensive computer skills that would help coordinate the initiatives and evaluate performance.Â
There has been a rapid growth in the development and implementation of the electronic health records (EHR) which has assisted me in improving my caregiving abilities in my current practice. In the critical care field, EHR technology greatly improves overall patient outcomes. Critical care patients are very prone to pressure injuries and falls. Incorporation and effective use of EHR improves overall outcomes in relation to patients prone to pressure injuries and falls. The EHR follows particular outcome indicators for falls and pressure injuries. Nurse leaders in my current unit ensure proper documentation for skin assessment, such as turning/repositioning, 2 RN skin checks for newly admitted or transferred patients and those with a Braden score of less than 18. According to Bowles et al. (2015), there was a 13% decrease in hospital acquired pressure injury rates with improved documentation using EHR. Additionally, the Hester Davis Fall Risk Assessment Scale allows for proper assessment of patients to predict anticipated falls. EHR also helps reduce adverse drug events, flags critical lab values, allows uploading and storing of radiology results and media, and facilitates rapid retrieval of information when critical information is relayed to a provider. Health information technology is an important concept that determines the progress in the healthcare sector and patients’ health outcomes. Every medical practitioner must possess the informatics skills that match their roles in the medical facility from the entry-level through to the specialist level. Using these skills increases positive health outcomes.
APA 7 please. Each post should be at least 300 words or more.
Response 1: Nursing Informatics competencies are categorized in three categorie
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