Sigma Theta Tau: Nursing Informatics - In Pursuit of Nursing’s Preferred Future

[rwingo]

There is an excellent commentary on nursing informatics in Sigma Theta Tau's June 2006 newsletter.

Some excerpts:

The truth of the matter is, professional nursing has long held goals that were never fully achievable before the informatics revolution currently taking place (McBride, 2005). We've long been held responsible for ensuring safety, coordinating care, utilizing research findings and evaluating outcomes, but we have not had the systems in place to make that really happen...

Nurses have a long history of mastering technology, e.g., using countless machines and surveillance systems. What makes the current situation dramatically different are several things: 1) technology heretofore was largely an “add on” that did not change core practices; 2) it was always possible to work in a part of nursing in which technological advances were minimal; and 3) nurse informaticians seemed a rarified group not absolutely necessary to nursing's day-to-day work.

Information technology (IT) is no longer an “add on.” It is essential to functioning as a knowledge worker and facilitating health literacy in patients and their families. The electronic health record (EHR) is on its way, making all aspects of assessment, intervention and evaluation electronic as well. Consumer and professional education is increasingly Web-enhanced or Web-based. Critical-care nurses and hospitalists consulting electronically are teaming up with ICU staff on the floor to provide seamless services...

The informatics revolution is an opportunity to really achieve our preferred future. Developing and using information systems to our patients' advantage are more important than many of the tasks that we have come to believe constitute the essence of nursing. Lest we feel undone by the changes ahead, we would do well to recall that most of what Florence Nightingale did in establishing modern nursing involved promoting healthy environments. We are being asked to do the same.

I'd highly recommend heading on over to Sigma Theta Tau's site to read the whole commentary.