Knowledge Generation through Nursing Informatics

• Electronic medical records (EMRs)
• Computerized provider order entry (CPOE)
• Test results
• Nursing notes
• Progress notes
• Medication records

Informatics generates knowledge from data that nurses gather from an observation that does not require interpretation and information from descriptions. The direct observation comes from looking at the patient's vital signs, age and disease history.

Applying technology to knowledge might help in the early detection of potential problems. For instance, electronic documentation allows quick identification of changes in the status of a patient as the information is readily available. Nursing informatics enables trending of vital signs in a patient is accessible. The interpretation, systemizing and arrangement of the data are well-organized. Nurses can use this knowledge to formalize the appropriate action plan.

Informatics in nursing provides opportunities for further education by allowing access to too many reference resources with relevant nursing information where caregivers can access evidence-based details and essential educational tools. Additionally, platforms like social media will expose nurses to an array of health information and open doors for more collaboration with care providers.

Evidence-based practice has been an essential part of, and the use of informatics helps to determine best practices. Nursing informatics allows gathering an analysis of extensive data regarding the patient care as well as the outcomes. Study of the data helps to identify the best ways of treating conditions and situation in future. A nurse who collects and analyzes more data will achieve more accurate conclusions that help to determine the best way of caring for patients.

Nursing informatics allows the use of standardized language that facilitates the acceptance of the latest methods of documentation in electronic health records. An excellent example is a template for nursing notes that assist much with the daily workload. The model reminds users about the essential information top add in the documentation of patient care.

Nursing informatics has taken away the need for meticulous updating of paper charts with handwritten notes. Nurses today can input their notes into electronic health records and other systems that help in maintaining up-to-date and easy to access medical history.

The healthcare information and management systems society have taken notice that electronic charting now allows nurses to quickly and efficiently find information and use it for improving their daily workflow.

Storing the information is in a method and format that all members of a care team including the non-nursing staff can find and even access at another location if a patient visits their facility. It works to the advantage of the patient as well because people have become more mobile creating the needs to allow access to their medical records from different points.

The use of nursing informatics simplifies communication and increases flow. It allows the inclusion of technology that enables texting, emailing and instant messaging which is efficient than relying on telephone calls or paging. The communication between teams of nurses and clinicians is simple and faster to eliminate the time it took to track each other down for an exchange of information about patients. Speedier communication leaves nurses and clinicians with more time for attending to patients.

Nursing informatics is a growing field that those who are interested can study in university. The new technology helps to enhance nursing practice and clinical decision-making skills.