The Implications That Information Systems Have, Research Paper Example

Introduction

According to the AACN, “DNP graduates are distinguished by their abilities to use information systems/technology to support and improve patient care and healthcare systems, and provide leadership within healthcare systems and/or academic settings” (AACN, 2006). Therefore, it is the responsibility of the DNP nurse to ensure that technology is being used in a manner that positively contributes towards patient care and best practices. The use of information systems will become increasingly important in nursing as time continues and it is essential for the nurse to contribute to the advance practice setting by mastering all technology and promoting meaningful use in the health care setting.

You Decide Reflection

As a consequence of active learning in this course, I am better able to understand the implications that information systems have on the application of best nursing practices. Furthermore, I have also discovered that information technology will become increasingly important to the field of nursing as time continues. We are working in a revolutionary time period in which electronic health record systems are being implemented on a large scale for the first time. In addition, we have also been able to observe the evolution of this technology with the implementation of new information technology advancements. Overall, information technology can be used directly by the health care professional to ensure that best practices are being implemented. These information systems are multifunctional and could be utilized to keep track of patient records over time, order medications, and even contact the appropriate parties for billing. However, the utility of these devices also imply a greater need for security in the future, as it is likely that patient security laws will become more stringent as well.

A recent study reported that “Although nurses applaud the EHR, they also indicate dissatisfaction with its design and cumbersome electronic processes” (Lavin et al., 2015). Widespread use of the electronic health record system is an important component of modern patient care, although it is apparent that improvements could be made to the existing system. Therefore, it is important for advanced practice nurses to understand that it is likely that they will actively provide feedback that will help develop modifications to current information systems. Providing information that pertains to clinical use to information technology departments will help facilitate the development of new technology that will more directly contribute to patient care benefits. It is important for DNP nurses to understand that it is their responsibility to act as a liaison between health care professionals and information technology staff to help ensure that technology is used in a meaningful way. In addition, since the federal government is investing in health care technology, it is likely that information technology improvements will become more common in the near future (McBride et al., 2012).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important for DNP nurses to be well-versed in the use of information technology to actively contribute towards improved patient care. Since there will be a large degree of technological innovations that impact patient care in the future, it will become more necessary for advanced practice nurses to provide feedback to the information technology team to assist with technological development. Since information technology has the potential to improve patient care, health care professionals should be focused on learning about all new medical technology as it is released.

References

AACN. (2006). The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/position/DNPEssentials.pdf

Lavin MA, Harper E, Barr N. (2015). Health Information Technology, Patient Safety, and Professional Nursing Care Documentation in Acute Care Settings. OJIN, 20(2).

McBride S, Delaney JM, Tietze M. (2012). Health Information Technology and Nursing. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 112(8): 36–42.