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Informatics Final1
Informatics Final1
Informatics
Salena Barnes, RN, BSN
NRSG 7410
Georgia College and State University
INFORMATICS
INFORMATICS
What parts of the program helped you to become more proficient in informatics?
Reviewing the Masters Essentials for Nursing in the Perspectives class aided in my
understanding of what informatics is and how I would use it in the role as a NP. As a Masters
prepared nurse, I know that I am an information broker, responsible for disseminating
information and ensuring evidence-based practices are in use by all members of the care team
(American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011). The instructors, courses, and library staff
helped me to become more proficient in informatics. One person that helped me immensely with
learning about technology in nursing was Mrs. Sewell. She taught me how to utilize Galileo
proficiently and how to navigate EndNote. Also in the Research class, I learned how nursing
informatics are used to collect and aggregate data. Furthermore, utilizing different EMR systems
at various clinical sites help to improve my proficiency with informatics. There is nothing like
learning to navigate an EMR on the spot in the clinical setting. Additionally, providing health
information to patients is a primary responsibility of NPs. As such, using MedLine Plus to
provide information to patients to improve their health literacy is something that every
practitioner can do. I use it as often as possible and have found that it does improve patient
outcomes, overall understanding of their health problems, and prompts worthwhile
conversations.
What did you do to help yourself meet this outcome?
The most important thing I did for myself to help to meet this outcome was seek
additional information on how to utilize various things that are computer based. I finally have
learned how to use Galileo proficiently. I can now search and find exactly what I am looking for
by using the advanced search settings and filtering. I have practiced extensively with EMRs and
have come to value them. Some systems are more user friendly than others, yet all of the systems
INFORMATICS
record data in a way that aids the clinician in making informed decisions regarding patient care.
For example, having a medical record with a history that follows the patient to every clinical site
they visit is one way to avoid medical errors and treat the patient accurately. Additionally, I
learned about meaningful use compliance in my clinical rotations. Meaningful use compliance
was established by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to encourage physicians
to utilize certified electronic health record technology to improve safety, quality, efficacy, and
reduce health disparities. As I have used EMRs over the last few semesters, I can certainly see
the value in them. EMRs truly help to improve safety by providing alerts; quality by displaying
up to date information; efficacy through organization; and reduce health disparities by storing
data that can be evaluated. Furthermore, patients can access their EMR through a patient portal,
which increases transparency and understanding of health issues. Lastly, I did spend some time
with Lynda, learning about products and services available through the library.
What could you have done better to become more proficient?
In order to become more proficient with informatics, I believe it is important to continue
be an avid learner when it comes to new technologies. Change in the health care system is
inevitable no matter what setting you practice in. As a result, just committing to being a lifelong
learner and having the right attitude is essential to growing to love informatics. Also, staying as
current as possible on technologies offered in the clinical setting by attending conferences and
other demonstrations where possible will help me to become more proficient. Additionally,
seeking out avenues to improve patient outcomes and efficiency of care should be the goal of all
NPs. My priority as a NP will be to spend the majority of my time providing patient care and
informatics can help to improve the speed of documentation, reimbursement coding, and reduce
the time spent in front of a computer.
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What could the SON have done better to help you or other students with this outcome?
I think the SON has done well at preparing me for this outcome. However, more
information about the common operating systems utilized in the area would be ideal. If the SON
were able to poll the area offices to find out what EMR system most physicians used, it may be
able to collaborate with the company to provide a training system for us. Moreover, an
opportunity to see how an informatics committee guides the development and execution of
information technology, as well as solutions for nursing practice and patient care. In addition,
exposure and building a students confidence in different aspects of informatics will cultivate
positive attitudes towards information technology and barriers of the past will dissipate.
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References