Nursing Informatics Reforming Healthcare

Healthcare, as it is perceived by today's standards, is evolving in its' processes and how it functions to the serve the patient-consumer mindset. Nursing informatics helps to facilitate this by integrating the use of data and information collected in the field in tandem with the knowledge and wisdom gained by experienced health professionals and technological experts to produce better decision-making practices and promoting better health outcomes. Health technology in clinical settings are rapidly developing to meet high standards of the healthcare industry and to meet the demands of the patient-consumer. Technology and Healthcare Professionals Technology has enabled accessibility to accurate and current information with other health professionals and their patients. A vital element of healthcare information is nursing documentation; information systems are designed for nurses where documentation can be best utilized to expand their knowledge of quality of care (Cassano, C., 2017).

It has reduced errors, introducing an organized format, quality, and enabled more evidenced-based practices to come to the forefront allowing for more reliable practices in the industry. Impact on the Patient-Consumer Accessibility of the internet has made it easier for the patient-consumer to research and readily find information. It is the role of the nurse as a health care provider to ensure that they are guiding patients to appropriate sources so that patients make better-informed decisions. Nurses have the most communication with patients and interact with technology frequently, so they should be creating a positive attitude and culture for the patient (Darvish, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Keyhanian, S., & Navidhamidi, M., 2014).Reliability of information is also crucial for the patient to make a decision. Not all accessible information is necessarily reputable, trustworthy, or evidenced-based. On the opposite end of the spectrum, many health-related organizations and companies now encourage real-time interaction with patients via the internet. For example, patients can quickly access their care and electronic health records and discuss it with their healthcare provider, or they can instant message and directly speak with a professional facilitating easier communication and providing real-time access. Telehealth. Telehealth is one component that will play a part in future healthcare reform.

Telehealth has enabled healthcare to become accessible regardless of an individual's location in the United States. The convenience of mobile healthcare breaks the barriers of transportation issues and need for caregiver accompaniment, and transcends symptoms and conditions like agoraphobia, factors which often isolate patients and prevent access to psychiatric care (Fathi, J.T., Modin, H.E., Scott, J.D., 2017). Telehealth is dynamic service enabling inclusivity and access to those who live long-distances, such as rural or remote areas, from health centers. Conclusion Health technology and nursing informatics set the foundation in which many health organizations are now basing their framework and practices on. It important that data is as accurate and up-to-date as possible, as it bolsters decision-making processes and affects the quality of patient outcomes. Professionals and patients alike benefit from the utilization of nursing informatics.

References

1. Cassano, C. (2017, September 27). The Right Balance –Technology and Patient Care. Retrieved November 21, 2018, from https://www.himss.org/right-balance-technology-and-patient- care
2. Darvish, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Keyhanian, S., & Navidhamidi, M. (2014). The role of nursing informatics on promoting quality of health care and the need for appropriate education. Global journal of health science, 6(6), 11-8. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v6n6p11. Retrieved November 21, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4825491/
3. Fathi, J.T., Modin, H.E., Scott, J.D., (May 31, 2017) "Nurses Advancing Telehealth Services in the Era of Healthcare Reform" OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 22, No. 2, Manuscript 2. Retrieved November 21, 2018, from https://ojin.nursingworld.org/ MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-22- 2017/No2-May-2017/Nurses-Advancing-Telehealth-Services.html

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