Respond to your colleagues, offering one or more additional interaction strategies in support of the examples/observations shared or by offering further insight to the thoughts shared about the future of these interactions.
Discussion
As a psychiatric inpatient unit nurse, I have observed interactions between nurse informaticists, technology specialists, and other healthcare professionals within our organization. These interactions have revealed positive collaborations and significant challenges in implementing and using healthcare technologies.
Regarding positive collaborations, our nurse informaticist has been instrumental in customizing our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to meet the unique documentation needs of psychiatric care. By collaborating closely with psychiatrists, nurses, and other mental health professionals, she ensured that the EHR enhances clinical decision support and improves care coordination for our complex patient population. This aligns with Booth et al.’s (2021) assertion that “nurse informaticists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between clinical practice and technology, acting as translators and facilitators of interdisciplinary collaboration” (p. 2).
Despite these successes, several challenges have emerged. I have witnessed territorial tensions between the IT department and clinical staff. For instance, during our medication administration system upgrade, the IT team made decisions about user interfaces and alert thresholds without adequately consulting nurses who would use the system daily. This resulted in workflow inefficiencies and alert fatigue that could have been avoided with better interdisciplinary communication.
Another challenge is the resistance to change among healthcare professionals, particularly those with long-standing practices. This resistance often stems from fear of change, lack of technological literacy, or concerns about the impact on patient care. Booth et al. (2021) note that “the rapid pace of technological change can be overwhelming for some healthcare professionals, leading to resistance and slow adoption of potentially beneficial innovations” (p. 3).
Furthermore, data security and patient privacy concerns have become more pronounced with the increasing digitization of health records and connected devices. Healthcare professionals often complain about the potential for data breaches and the ethical implications of sharing patient information across digital platforms.
To address these challenges, I propose several strategies for improvement. First, establishing formal interdisciplinary workgroups that meet regularly to discuss technology needs, challenges, and proposed solutions can break down silos and ensure that technology decisions are made with input from all stakeholders. This approach is supported by Whalen et al. (2021), who emphasize the importance of collaborative strategic planning in implementing clinical decision support systems.
Second, implementing comprehensive training and support programs that cater to different levels of technological proficiency can help alleviate resistance to change. These programs should focus on the technical aspects of using new systems and emphasize the benefits of patient care and workflow efficiency. Booth et al. (2021) suggest that “nursing education must evolve to include digital literacy and informatics as core competencies” (p. 4).
Third, to address data security and privacy concerns, healthcare organizations should establish clear communication channels to inform all staff about the security measures in place. Regular updates on data protection protocols and any potential risks can help build trust and alleviate concerns among healthcare professionals.
Nurse Informatics Specialists and technology specialists interact with other healthcare professionals in various ways within our organization. They engage in collaborative system design, working closely with clinical staff to design and customize EHR systems and other healthcare technologies. They act as liaisons between the IT department and clinical teams, ensuring that technological solutions meet the practical needs of healthcare providers.
These specialists also provide ongoing training and support to clinical staff on using new technologies. Their clinical background allows them to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, bridging the gap between technical jargon and clinical practice. Additionally, they collaborate with various departments to analyze healthcare data and generate reports that inform clinical decision-making and quality improvement initiatives. This aligns with Sensmeier et al.’s (2019) emphasis on demonstrating the value of nursing care through data-driven approaches.
For major technology implementations or upgrades, Nurse Informaticists often lead or participate in interdisciplinary project teams, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders are considered in technology decisions. They also collaborate with hospital administration and legal teams to develop policies related to healthcare technologies, including guidelines for the ethical use of patient data in research and quality improvement initiatives.
The continued evolution of nursing informatics and the emergence of new technologies will significantly impact professional interactions in healthcare. As Skiba (2022) explains, “The integration of AI-driven decision support tools in psychiatric practice requires a delicate balance of clinical judgment and technological capabilities, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary teamwork” (p. 145). This underscores the growing importance of nurse informaticists in facilitating productive interdisciplinary collaboration as healthcare technology becomes increasingly complex.
Nurse informaticists bring invaluable insights, including a deep understanding of clinical workflows, patient safety considerations, and the practical implications of implementing new technologies in healthcare settings. Their involvement is crucial for ensuring that technological advancements enhance rather than hinder patient care. As the complexity of healthcare technology grows, the role of nurse informaticists in facilitating productive interdisciplinary collaboration will become increasingly vital.
By fostering collaborative relationships and implementing strategies to address challenges, healthcare organizations can leverage the expertise of Nurse Informatics Specialists to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and navigate the increasingly complex landscape of healthcare technology.
References
Booth, R. G., Strudwick, G., McBride, S., O’Connor, S., & Solano López, A. L. (2021). How the nursing profession should adapt for a digital future. BMJ, 373, n1190. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1190
Sensmeier, J., Androwich, I., Baernholdt, M., Carroll, W., Fields, W., Fong, V., Murphy, J., Omery, A., & Rajwany, N. (2019). Demonstrating the value of nursing care through use of a unique nurse identifier. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 23(2). https://www.himss.org/resources/demonstrating-value-nursing-care-through-use-unique-nurse-identifierLinks to an external site.
Skiba, D. J. (2022). Nursing informatics for the advanced practice nurse: Patient safety, quality, outcomes, and interprofessionalism. Springer Publishing Company.
Whalen, K., Bavuso, K., Bouyer-Ferullo, S., Goldsmith, D., Fairbanks, A., Gesner, E., Lagor, C., & Collins, S. (2021). Analysis of nursing clinical decision support requests and strategic plan in a large academic health system. Applied Clinical Informatics, 12(2), 271-278. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1726414
PLEASE USE 3 RESOURCES AND 2 AT LEAST FROM MY LIST
- McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 25, “The Art of Caring in Technology-Laden Environments” (pp. 595–607)
- Chapter 26, “Our Expanding Realities” (pp. 611–624)
- Mosier, S., Roberts, W. D., & Englebright, J. (2019). A Systems-Level Method for Developing Nursing Informatics Solutions: The Role of Executive LeadershipLinks to an external site.. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 543-548.
- Ng, Y. C., Alexander, S., & Frith, K. H. (2018). Integration of Mobile Health Applications in Health Information Technology InitiativesLinks to an external site.: Expanding Opportunities for Nurse Participation in Population Health. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 36(5), 209-213.
- Sipes, C. (2016). Project management: Essential skill of nurse informaticistsLinks to an external site.. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 225, 252-256.