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Informatics: explain why information and technology skills are essential for nurses for safe

patient care

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Informatics: explain why information and technology skills are essential for nurses for safe

patient care

Introduction

Informatics and technology have revolutionized the healthcare industry, with an emphasis

on the nursing profession. Nurses today are required to possess various technical skills that

enable them to keep up with the rapidly changing technological landscape and to provide safe

and efficient patient care (Kinnunen et al.,2019). With the advent of electronic medical records,

portable monitoring devices, telehealth, and other technological advancements, nurses play a

crucial role in utilizing these technologies to improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare

delivery. Information and technology skills are essential for nurses for safe patient care as they

allow for quicker access to critical patient data, efficient communication and collaboration, real-

time monitoring of patient vitals, and the ability to apply the latest advancements in healthcare

technology for improved patient outcomes. The nursing profession's adaptability to change and

incorporation of technology into their practice makes them critical change agents in the delivery

of quality healthcare globally. Healthcare and technology are more intertwined than ever before.

Nurses these days need to have the skills to keep up with technology trends: Some of the trends

nurses need to be safe and competent providers of care for their patients are:

 Analytical ability.

 Attention to detail.

 Computer literacy.

 Critical thinking.
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 The ability to input and retrieve data.

 The ability to use and maintain equipment.

 Problem-solving.

Moreover, with these skills, nurses are able to spend more time with patients, reduce the

number of errors, retrieve more information, research evidence-based practices, boost efficiency,

and improve safety. The technology used in nursing today is; Electronic medical records,

monitors, Drug retrieval and Delivery systems, portable defibrillators, patient lifting systems,

smart alarms, and real-time locating systems such as portable cardiac monitors and BG monitors.

According to the nurse journal, "nurses serve on the front lines of applying the latest

advancements to serve their patients with increasing efficiency and effectiveness. In fact, by

2017, more than 95% of all hospitals in the U.S. had adopted certified electronic medical record

(EMR) systems. Technology continues to shift the nursing field in many ways, with the pace of

change expected to increase with time (Bailey, 2022).”

Besides, as mentioned, with the Health records becoming electronic, Nurses now have

quick access to critical data of their clients. This results in or eliminate the need for paperwork.

Keeping everything organized and readily available for the nurses to make a critical judgment of

how to treat or care for the clients in their care. Monitors, which are now portable, give the

nurses the ability to quickly make an assessment based on the data they receive from the

monitors. Monitors can be used for gathering critical data such as respiratory rates,

electrocardiography, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose, and smart pumps for IV

medications, just to name a few. These devices are capable of sending the nurse an alert when

the reading is out of range, medications are running low, or kinks in tubing, resulting in overall
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better patient care with quicker response times and efficient dosing of medications and fluids.

Another advancement in health care is the beds and lifts. Beds can now monitor the client’s

weight and movement. This is beneficial in nursing because now nurses can spend less time

repositioning the client, checking on clients to see if they are out of bed, reduction of bed sores

and injuries. Overall the use of technology can now provide nurses with real-time alerts in

emergencies, upload information such as vitals, medical history, allergies, test results, and

charting into the client's chart. With the invention of scan barcodes, clients' wristbands,

medications, pumps, and other medical devices can now be done at the bedside of each client,

which also improves outcomes for each client.

Additionally, communication is a major part of the nursing field, and client care

technology has greatly improved the way nurses communicate. There is now collaboration tools

such are instant messaging, cell phones, and headset to discuss client care in real-time, which

benefits the client by identifying and diagnosing illnesses and provides for more efficient client

handover between departments and organizations. There is also the advancement of telehealth;

this increases access for not only the nurses but also the clients. "Patients can increasingly access

medical professionals, including nurses, from the comfort of their homes, thanks to mobile apps.

Nurses advise patients on many health concerns, while patients update their own data to the apps

so that medical professionals can best monitor their conditions and overall health on a regular

basis." (Bailey, 2022)

In addition, in 2020, novel, intelligent, immersive, and connected technological advances

have made their way into nursing care delivery settings globally. Due, in part, to globalization

(Bradbury-Jones & Clark, 2017). Stark illustrations of nurses who develop, champion, adopt, and

apply emerging technologies to make better decisions at the point of care and support operations
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using these technologies have become a reality. These applications are rapidly occurring now,

will continue, and are fortunately happening at a time when the need to improve global health

outcomes is imperative. To meet this need, nurses are improving safe, quality care through the

use of new technological innovations.” (Carroll, 2020) The nurse needs to develop skills, adapt

to change, and incorporate the emerging advancements in technology to make better critical

judgments to support and care for clients in their care. "Along with their unique and valuable

knowledge and abilities to tackle these challenging health care objectives, nurses serve as crucial

change agents in the creation and application of technological functionality that bridge the

delivery of health care and social needs in both urban and rural communities. This trend will

only increase in the next decade and beyond (Carroll, 2020).”

Further, today more than ever, nurses now must not only rely on their skill, experience,

and training but also need to be tech-savvy in order to navigate EMRs, uses devices such as IV

pumps, bed alarms, blood pressure machines, diagnostic devices, patients’ lifts, and smart alarm

systems. “The benefits are significant,” explains Simon Frey, co-founder of Pivot Health.

“Nurses can deliver a greater patient experience and contribute to better healthcare outcomes.

Technology can automate more routine or less value-adding elements of the patient experience,

helping nurses to significantly improve customer satisfaction and engagement (Elrick, 2017)."

The most cost-effective way in which organizations train their employees is by implementing the

strategy of a super user. According to [Link], "Super users are staff members trained to

move through the electronic health record (EHR) system quickly and can share helpful hints,

tips, and techniques. Your core group of EHR super users can provide internal training to office

staff and clinicians." ([Link], 2019) Once the superuser is trained and in place, the

organization then trains based on Role. This focuses the training based on the responsibilities of
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staff. From there, then training becomes process based. This training allows the staff to

understand workflows. A few examples would be clinical summaries, IV pumps, diagnostic

devices, and discharge instructions.

Moreover, the way in which technology has helped in the clinical setting is by expediting

medications, orders, and ordering of medical equipment. The nurse I followed was given a tablet

with access to the medical records and the ability to do charting in real time, document

assessments and orders, fill prescriptions, and order medical equipment.

Further, information and technology skills are essential for nurses for safe patient care for

several reasons. The integration of technology in the healthcare industry has increased the

efficiency, accuracy, and quality of patient care (Kleib et al., 2021). Electronic medical records,

monitors, drug retrieval and delivery systems, portable defibrillators, patient lifting systems,

smart alarms, and real-time locating systems are just some of the technologies that have become

integral to nursing practices. These technologies provide quick access to critical data, eliminate

the need for paperwork, and improve communication between healthcare professionals. With the

advancement of technology, nurses are now expected to be tech-savvy and have the ability to

navigate and use various medical devices and systems to improve patient outcomes and customer

satisfaction (Monsen et al., 2019). The use of technology in nursing is expected to continue to

grow and evolve, and it is crucial for nurses to develop and adapt their skills to keep up with

these advancements for safe and effective patient care.

Further, technology has made it easier for nurses to collaborate and share information

with other healthcare professionals. This improved communication and collaboration can lead to

more accurate diagnoses, better patient outcomes, and a more efficient healthcare system overall.

For example, electronic medical records (EMRs) allow healthcare professionals to quickly access
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a patient's medical history, test results, and current medications, reducing the risk of medical

errors and improving the quality of care. Telehealth and mobile apps have also made it easier for

nurses to connect with patients and provide care remotely. This has especially been beneficial

during the COVID-19 pandemic, where in-person visits were limited, and remote care was

crucial. By using telehealth and mobile apps, nurses can monitor patients' conditions, provide

health advice, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care

for their patients. Overall, technology has revolutionized the way nurses provide care and has

brought many benefits for both nurses and patients (Monsen et al., 2019). From improved patient

safety to better communication and collaboration, technology has had a significant impact on the

nursing profession. However, it is important for nurses to continuously update their technology

skills and be comfortable using various tools and systems in order to provide the best possible

care for their patients.

Additionally, the use of technology in nursing also helps with continuing education and

professional development. Nurses can access online courses, webinars, and other learning

resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. This can lead to improved patient care and job

satisfaction for the nurse (Kleib et al., 2021). Technology also provides opportunities for nurses

to engage in virtual teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and other healthcare

professionals, leading to improved patient outcomes and better use of resources. Furthermore,

technology can help with the sharing of best practices and evidence-based information, leading

to more efficient and effective care for patients. Overall, technology is playing an increasingly

important role in the field of nursing, and it is essential for nurses to have the necessary

information and technology skills to provide safe and efficient patient care. By staying up-to-date
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with the latest technology trends, nurses can deliver better patient outcomes and contribute to the

overall improvement of the healthcare system.

Further, information and technology skills are essential for nurses for safe patient care

because they help to reduce errors, increase efficiency, and improve the overall quality of care

provided to patients. With the integration of electronic medical records, monitors, drug delivery

systems, patient lifting systems, and real-time locating systems, nurses are able to quickly access

critical patient information and respond to emergencies in a timely manner. Furthermore,

advances in communication technology have improved collaboration and communication

between nurses and between nurses and patients. As the demand for healthcare continues to

grow, it is important for nurses to continue developing their technology skills in order to meet

the changing needs of the healthcare industry and deliver the highest quality of care to their

patients.

Moreover, with these skills, nurses are able to provide better patient care by having

access to real-time information, reducing medical errors, and improving efficiency. This allows

them to spend more time with their patients and provide better-informed care based on evidence-

based practices. Furthermore, the use of technology in nursing can lead to improved patient

outcomes, reduced costs, and increased patient satisfaction. Another advantage of technology in

nursing is improved communication and collaboration. For example, the use of instant messaging

and mobile apps allows for real-time communication between nurses and other healthcare

professionals, resulting in better decision-making and improved patient outcomes (Monsen et al.,

2019). Additionally, telehealth has increased access to medical care for both patients and

healthcare professionals, allowing for remote monitoring and consultations. Generally, the

integration of technology and information skills in nursing is essential for providing safe patient
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care. Nurses must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use

technology in their daily practices. By doing so, they can improve the quality of care they

provide and help to advance the field of nursing. In addition, Informatics and technology also

play a crucial role in continuing education for nurses. With the rise of online learning and mobile

technologies, nurses can access a wide range of resources and educational opportunities from

anywhere and at any time. They can easily access current research and guidelines, participate in

virtual simulations and webinars, and complete required continuing education courses (Kleib et

al., 2021). This enables nurses to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field,

expand their knowledge and skills, and provide the best possible care to their patients.

Furthermore, technology also helps in improving patient outcomes by providing valuable

data and insights that can inform the development of new treatments, protocols, and best

practices. For example, the use of telehealth technology and remote patient monitoring systems

can help healthcare providers to track patient progress and respond to potential health issues

before they become serious. With real-time access to this data, nurses can make more informed

decisions, provide more personalized care, and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Information and technology skills are essential for nurses for safe patient care. The

integration of technology in healthcare has brought many advancements that have improved the

quality of care, increased efficiency, and reduced errors. Nurses need to have computer literacy,

analytical ability, attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to effectively

use and maintain equipment, input and retrieve data, and access electronic medical records.

Technology has also improved communication in the nursing field, with the use of collaboration

tools, telehealth, and mobile apps, making it easier for nurses to advise patients and monitor their
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health. In addition, nurses must continue to develop and adapt to new technological

advancements in order to improve safety and quality care. With technology, nurses can now

focus on providing better care for their patients, automate routine tasks, and contribute to better

healthcare outcomes.

References

Kinnunen, U. M., Heponiemi, T., Rajalahti, E., Ahonen, O., Korhonen, T., & Hyppönen, H.

(2019). Factors related to health informatics competencies for nurses—results of a

national electronic health record survey. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 37(8),

420-429.

Klein, M., Chauvette, A., Furlong, K., Nagle, L., Slater, L., & McCloskey, R. (2021).

Approaches for defining and assessing nursing informatics competencies: a scoping

review. JBI evidence synthesis, 19(4), 794–841.

Monsen, K. A., Bush, R. A., Jones, J., Manos, E. L., Skiba, D. J., & Johnson, S. B. (2019).

Alignment of the American association of colleges of nursing graduate-level nursing

informatics competencies with American medical informatics association health

informatics core competencies. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 37(8), 396-404.