Technology was birthed and has continued to thrive and evolve throughout the cen
Technology was birthed and has continued to thrive and evolve throughout the centuries. With this transcending advancement and evolution, comes those who are trained to tackle the hurtles of its implementation in every field. According to Menkiena (2022), technology isn’t just part of healthcare, it is healthcare. Sipes (2016) emphasizes in today’s high-tech world, informatics competencies will be integrated for improved quality outcomes and safety for patients. Nurse informaticists intercede technology and clinical practice and are an integral aspect of healthcare delivery. Menkiena (2022) proclaims the role of the nurse informaticist encompasses “system selection and implementation and training of technologies to provide safe, high-quality, patient-centric care across the continuum, no matter the delivery method”. To provide solutions that are accessible to all, there must be communication between the nurse informaticist and other professionals within the healthcare organization. The nurse informaticist explains the why. A critical part of the nurse informaticist’s job is to enlighten the workforce about the motives behind certain electronic heath record (EHR) requirements and their long-term effects. This aids in the healthcare team’s understanding of the significance of data through decision-making and the care process, according to Menkiena (2022). The nurse informaticist provides education to the healthcare team before the implementation of a new process. Menkiena (2022) states they will ensure testing completion, provide hands-on training, and provide thorough explanation of the benefits of the new approach compared to the old. For better insight on how to implement different changes without negatively impacting staff, nursing informaticists must also engage with the healthcare team to comprehend their workflow and information needs. Though collaboration is included in their role, there are always different ways interaction can be enhanced between nurse informaticists and the healthcare team. As a nurse, updates to the EHR can sometimes be daunting. Logging in and noticing unexpected differences while documenting and becoming confused in the process is exceedingly frustrating. It delays patient care and causes unnecessary interruptions throughout the shift. Although it is said to be a task amongst nurse informaticists, there needs to be improved communication between the health are team and the nurse informaticist about changes to any part of the system. This communication should not merely be limited to education or changes that were applied, but communication should also include changes the healthcare team believe should be taking place. Occasionally during documentation, I am confronted with slow transitions that could be enhanced to make documenting more feasible, but I am unsure of who to express my concerns to. The expansion of technology in the healthcare field fascinates me, and I can’t fathom the emerging technological advances that await. These advances will affect collaboration in bountiful ways. Mobile health applications and technological devices are declared to have the “capabilities to support health information technology (HIT) initiatives needed to improve healthcare outcomes across the globe” (Ng et al., 2018). Cellular phone devices provide a platform for the integration of HIT elements that are accepted by both patients and healthcare professionals. With the almost universal use of cell phones, the opportunities for new developments within that range are endless; from new ways for both patients and providers to view patient health information, to communication between doctors and patients or healthcare providers to one another. Interaction will be feasible, communication more frequent and effective, and health outcomes enhanced. References Menkiena, C. (2022). The Three Essential Responsibilities of a Nurse Informaticist. https://www.healthcatalyst.com/insights/nurse-informaticist-3-essential-responsibilities#:~:text=Nurse%20informaticists%20support%20nurses%2C%20consumers,structures%2C%20processes%2C%20and%20technologyLinks to an external site.. Ng, Y. , Alexander, S. & Frith, K. (2018). Integration of Mobile Health Applications in Health Information Technology Initiatives. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 36 (5), 209-213. doi: 10.1097/CIN.0000000000000445. Sipes, C. (2016). Project Management: Essential Skill of Nurse Informaticists. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 225, 252–256.