In order to be a successful nursing manager or leader, you must understand how important informatics is in the delivery of quality patient care. According to Masters Essential V, the use of patient-care technologies and communication technologies are critical components of the master’s-prepared nurse’s role. This essay will examine how technology, telehealth and electronic medical records (EMRs), as well as data mining in relation to nursing research and education, influence decision making. The growing use of technologies in the healthcare setting will be examined, as well as the consequences. We’ll also provide current sources of scholarly research and evidence to back up our discussion.
The use of algorithms by computers to mine large datasets for valuable information is called data mining. To improve clinical decision making, data mining is used in the healthcare industry to help identify patterns or trends. EHRs/EMRs improve patient care through the availability of complete information about patients, such as medical histories, lab tests, and medications lists. Telehealth improves access to healthcare for underserved or remote patients. Technology in nursing research and education can also improve the research outcome.
The application of these technologies has the ability to impact decision making in various ways. EHRs/EMRs provide healthcare professionals with real-time patient data, so they can make informed decisions. Telehealth allows for remote monitoring and consultations, which can assist providers in making timely decisions. Data mining helps identify patterns in data from patients that are not apparent using traditional methods.
The increasing use of healthcare technology has many advantages, including better outcomes for patients and increased efficiency. There are, however, also negative consequences such as privacy concerns, security issues, and the possibility that technology will replace human interaction. When implementing new healthcare technologies, it is important to weigh both their benefits and potential consequences.
Scholarly and evidence-based sources support the importance of nursing informatics in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the nursing profession’s practice. Abdrbo and colleagues conducted a study that provides an example. In a study published in 2020, it was found that EHRs improve the quality of care for patients and reduce medication errors. Fiordelli, et. al. published another study. The effectiveness of Telehealth for improving the access to health care in patients living in remote and underserved regions was demonstrated in 2018.
Data mining, EHRs/EMRs (Electronic Health Records), telehealth and other technologies in nursing education and researching can all have an impact on decision making. In order to ensure patient privacy and safety, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of increasing technology use in the healthcare setting. Nursing leaders and managers must stay current with emerging technologies and informatics practices to provide quality patient care and improve the nursing profession’s practice.