NR 599 Nursing Informatics for Advanced Practice Week 1 and 2 Discussion

Week 1 Discussion

Online courses can seem impersonal. One way to build community is to get to know one another. We are going to use an introduction discussion forum to start building our course community.

As you progress in this course, in the program, and beyond, how might you expect your competencies to evolve? 

Competence is a skill, and we acquire it through learning and experience (Fukada, 2018). As we learn more and gain experience with informatics in our fields, we progress through stages with the goal of becoming experts. But I do not think we are all meant to be “experts” in informatics. As I progress through this course and then my career, I hope to gain better understanding in the areas of informatics where I have less competence. If we seek out opportunities to learn, then it is relevant to say our competency levels should increase with each new opportunity.

Fukada, M. (2018). Nursing competency: definition, structure and development. Journal of Medical Sciences, 61(1), 1-7. Doi: 10.33160/yam.2018.03.001. Retrieved on 03/11/2023 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871720/

Course Outcomes

This assignment is guided by the following Course Outcome (CO):

CO4 Exemplify professional values and scholarship to support professional and personal development.

Purpose

Online courses can seem impersonal. One way to build community is to get to know one another. We are going to use an introduction forum to start building our course community.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this reflection, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

Introduce yourself to your peers and faculty (CO4)

Establish a personal baseline assessment of your informatics knowledge and goals (CO4)

Requirements:

Post a written response in the forum to EACH question. Each response should be substantive and provide enough detail to answer the question comprehensively. This assignment DOES NOT require citation or references.

During what month were you born?

What does informatics mean to you? Provide one detailed example.

What specifically about informatics do you want to learn in this course?

Select one personal photograph which has significant meaning to you. Attach the photograph in JPEG or PDF format to the discussion forum AND provide a caption. The following hyperlink includes instructions for uploading an image: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10700-4212190965 (Links to an external site.)

NOTE: Cross-posting to peers or faculty are not required for this discussion post.

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NR 599 Nursing Informatics for Advanced Practice Week 1 and 2 Discussion

Title: NR 599 Nursing Informatics for Advanced Practice Week 1 and 2 Discussion

Informatics is used in many ways in nursing and directly affects the way in which we provide care. Informatics identifies important data and information based on nursing and computer sciences and ultimately guides evidence-based practice, process/protocol changes, and ways to improve patient care and safety.  Prior to taking the TANIC self- assessment I perceived my competency level to be fairly high. I am typically good with the basic aspects of computers and try to stay up to date on new technology. I have also used multiple different EHRs throughout my career in healthcare and can very clearly identify the differences in what aspects work well based on our unit workflows. For instance, my current facility just switched from an older EHR to EPIC. In the transition process, we’ve identified the need for major workflow changes to ensure all documentation and patient care is being accurately completed. When the initial EPIC changeover happened, all the original process and procedures remained in place which left us with no idea how to correctly find and do things, including restraint documentation which drastically changed with the new system. The nice thing we are finding with EPIC is that despite the issues we initially found, the system is able to be tailored more directly to our needs (although it takes a little while to get there). After completing the self-assessment, I still believe my competency level is high. I was able to score myself as proficient and expert on the majority of the questions. Since the TANIC assessment is based on the lower-level competencies and I have nursing, research, and computer experience I believe my perceived competency to be relatively accurate.

In my current role I use aspects of level 1 competencies such as turning on/logging on to the computer via password, sending and receiving emails, and basic collection of patient data. I also use aspects of level 2 competencies regularly, which includes gathering and synthesizing data and protecting health information. Basic use of the computer is something I use on a daily basis, as we are reliant on the computer and EHR for all our unit communications and documentation. Logging on to the computer, sending emails, and charting are three main functions in my role. Protecting health information is also vital in my position. There are many factors on my unit that make it easy for PHI to unintentionally be revealed, but also many ways to prevent it. We have an open nurse’s station, meaning the patients can reach over and grab/see anything that sits on the desk. They are also able to hang around on the sides of the desk and potentially see our documentation and what is pulled up on the screens. To protect this information, we have the darkening screen protectors that make it difficult to see the screen unless directly in front of it, and we make it a point to leave all paperwork, charts, and anything with patient identifiers in the locked conference room behind the nurse’s station. We also use only first name and last initials to ensure privacy for our patients and staff alike.

One resource that with directly enhance informatics competency is the use of interprofessional education. According to Reynolds (2018), interprofessional education or IPE refers to when two or more professions work together to increase education, collaboration, and quality of care. When utilized with informatics, IPE increases collaboration and teamwork, quality improvement strategies, and can guide in depth EBP. When each profession has a better understanding of what the other does and their ultimate goals, quality of care ultimately increases. Cooperation among various professionals lends new perspectives to developmental work (Ahonen, 2018). Continued education in informatics is another incredibly useful resource for enhancing knowledge and skills. For me, this is my first official informatics class and while my basic knowledge is proficient, my advanced knowledge of informatics is lacking. The best way to gain competence and skill is to continue exploring educational information and classes that build on the basic concepts. Informatics as a specialty includes more in-depth knowledge and training with technological aspects and advancements, and without additional schooling would be increasingly difficult to become competent in. For me specifically, the best method would be to continue my informatics education to become more skilled in the specialty and be able to adequately apply it to my work. IPE is something I see being done quite often in my current facility through regular treatment team meetings and I find it to be incredibly beneficial. As a nurse I don’t always understand why the social workers, dieticians, physicians, etc. do things the way they do, but when everyone gets together in these meetings there are open discussions and education on why/how to create the best plan for each patient. This collaboration effort greatly increases the quality of patient care. In my future practice I plan to encourage such meetings and ensure open lines of communication between providers to decide the best possible practice. I also intend to continue learning as much as I can throughout this course and subsequent courses in order to improve my informatics competencies to the best of my ability.

References

Ahonen, Kinnunen, U.-M., Lejonqvist, G.-B., Apkalna, B., Viitkar, K., & Saranto, K. (2018). Identifying Biomedical and Health Informatics Competencies in Higher Education Curricula. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 251, 261–264. https://doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-880-8-261,

Reynolds, & Wilson, G. M. (2018). The Power of Interprofessional Education to Enhance Competency-Based Learning in Health Informatics and Population Health Students. The Journal of Health Administration Education, 35(3), 377–387.

A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NR 599 Nursing Informatics for Advanced Practice Week 1 and 2 Discussion

Title: NR 599 Nursing Informatics for Advanced Practice Week 1 and 2 Discussion

1. During what month were you born? 

I was born in October. Not quite a Halloween baby but VERY close. As such, fall is my favorite time of year and I love all things goth, gore, and horror. My dad used to let me stay up late from a very early age and watch Elvira with him and many of the old classics like Frankenstein and Dracula. My mother always said I was a peculiar child! But I will take it. I turned out pretty good despite.  

What does informatics mean to you? Provide onedetailed example. 

Informatics is the data we use to diagnose and guide our care and the applications and technology systems throughout the health care system. For instance, we use Epic where I work. Epic collects the labs, scans, and extensive patient history all to the EHR for easy access. When a patient comes into my ER the first thing I look at is the patients Care Coordination. This tab shows me all the patients last visits with listing of service and chief complaint. By quickly viewing this I can get an idea if this is something the patient is seen for frequently or if it is potentially a new problem. I then can to a quick review of meds and past medical history. EHR’s are so common place that we take them for granted. Coming from a system that used Cerner, Epic is a dream. The continuity of care provider by being able to quickly scroll through Care Everywhere (allowing me to see medical history from all other health systems in our area that also use Epic) is an invaluable tool. Having this kind of technology allows us to get a better picture of the patients past medical journey which can help to develop an effective plan of care. 

What specifically about informatics do you want to learn in this course? 

Informatics is a scary word. I am great at patient care and I am great at mastering the technology I need to deliver care. When I think informatics, I think data and numbers and confusing terms. That is not so much my thing and never has been. I suppose, for this course, developing a broader understanding of how informatics will apply to my advance practice without being terrified of the technical jazz is a good thing. So how I can use this in my day to day as an advanced practice nurse beyond just the basics of my job. 

Select one personal photographwhich has significant meaning to you. Attach the photograph in JPEG or PDF format to the discussion forum AND provide a caption.

I chose this photo because my family would never give me permission to use their real likeness to strangers. But my family is the reason I went back to school and got a nursing degree. At that time, as a single mother recently divorced, I knew I never wanted to be in a position that I could not provide for my kids. I also hoped my kids would learn that no matter your circumstances, you can change your life if you apply yourself and do not give up. There are definitely days that I want to quit. But my family is all the reason I ever need to keep going. 

Purpose

The self-assessment is completed using the TIGER-based  Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies  (TANIC) tool. TIGER refers to the Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform Initiative which identified a list of the minimum informatics competencies for all nurses and students graduating from pre- and post-licensure programs.  The  graded self-evaluation of your informatics competencies is required in order to increase one’s own

understanding  of competencies in nursing informatics which will enable  the planning of strategies to  enhance knowledge and skills.

Informatics is used in many ways in nursing and directly affects the way in which we provide care. Informatics identifies important data and information based on nursing and computer sciences and ultimately guides evidence-based practice, process/protocol changes, and ways to improve patient care and safety.  Prior to taking the TANIC self- assessment I perceived my competency level to be fairly high. I am typically good with the basic aspects of computers and try to stay up to date on new technology. I have also used multiple different EHRs throughout my career in healthcare and can very clearly identify the differences in what aspects work well based on our unit workflows. For instance, my current facility just switched from an older EHR to EPIC. In the transition process, we’ve identified the need for major workflow changes to ensure all documentation and patient care is being accurately completed. When the initial EPIC changeover happened, all the original process and procedures remained in place which left us with no idea how to correctly find and do things, including restraint documentation which drastically changed with the new system. The nice thing we are finding with EPIC is that despite the issues we initially found, the system is able to be tailored more directly to our needs (although it takes a little while to get there). After completing the self-assessment, I still believe my competency level is high. I was able to score myself as proficient and expert on the majority of the questions. Since the TANIC assessment is based on the lower-level competencies and I have nursing, research, and computer experience I believe my perceived competency to be relatively accurate.

In my current role I use aspects of level 1 competencies such as turning on/logging on to the computer via password, sending and receiving emails, and basic collection of patient data. I also use aspects of level 2 competencies regularly, which includes gathering and synthesizing data and protecting health information. Basic use of the computer is something I use on a daily basis, as we are reliant on the computer and EHR for all our unit communications and documentation. Logging on to the computer, sending emails, and charting are three main functions in my role. Protecting health information is also vital in my position. There are many factors on my unit that make it easy for PHI to unintentionally be revealed, but also many ways to prevent it. We have an open nurse’s station, meaning the patients can reach over and grab/see anything that sits on the desk. They are also able to hang around on the sides of the desk and potentially see our documentation and what is pulled up on the screens. To protect this information, we have the darkening screen protectors that make it difficult to see the screen unless directly in front of it, and we make it a point to leave all paperwork, charts, and anything with patient identifiers in the locked conference room behind the nurse’s station. We also use only first name and last initials to ensure privacy for our patients and staff alike.

One resource that with directly enhance informatics competency is the use of interprofessional education. According to Reynolds (2018), interprofessional education or IPE refers to when two or more professions work together to increase education, collaboration, and quality of care. When utilized with informatics, IPE increases collaboration and teamwork, quality improvement strategies, and can guide in depth EBP. When each profession has a better understanding of what the other does and their ultimate goals, quality of care ultimately increases. Cooperation among various professionals lends new perspectives to developmental work (Ahonen, 2018). Continued education in informatics is another incredibly useful resource for enhancing knowledge and skills. For me, this is my first official informatics class and while my basic knowledge is proficient, my advanced knowledge of informatics is lacking. The best way to gain competence and skill is to continue exploring educational information and classes that build on the basic concepts. Informatics as a specialty includes more in-depth knowledge and training with technological aspects and advancements, and without additional schooling would be increasingly difficult to become competent in. For me specifically, the best method would be to continue my informatics education to become more skilled in the specialty and be able to adequately apply it to my work. IPE is something I see being done quite often in my current facility through regular treatment team meetings and I find it to be incredibly beneficial. As a nurse I don’t always understand why the social workers, dieticians, physicians, etc. do things the way they do, but when everyone gets together in these meetings there are open discussions and education on why/how to create the best plan for each patient. This collaboration effort greatly increases the quality of patient care. In my future practice I plan to encourage such meetings and ensure open lines of communication between providers to decide the best possible practice. I also intend to continue learning as much as I can throughout this course and subsequent courses in order to improve my informatics competencies to the best of my ability.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this assignment, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

Apply knowledge of nursing informatics and non-nursing science (CO 1 and  2)

Assess nursing informatics competencies (CO2)

Evaluate progress in enhancing nursing informatics competencies (CO4)

Foster professional and personal development with planning strategies to enhance these competencies  (CO4)

Examine ethical decision making in relation to these competencies (CO3)

Requirements:

In order to prepare for this assignment, read the lessons as well as the assigned readings BEFORE attempting the self-assessment.

Please use the following hyperlink to access and complete the survey: Week 2 Pre-TANIC Self-Assessment Survey    (Links to an external site.)

FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY WILL RESULT IN A GRADE OF ZERO (0) FOR THE ASSIGNMENT.

After completing the survey, navigate to the Week 2 Module in Canvas and respond to EACH of the q uestion s for your Reflection Post.

The Reflection Posts DOES NOT require cross-posting to a peer or faculty .

ATTENTION: Students will not receive results following completion of this survey. For the reflection questions, please recall how you rated your proficiency/competency with the skills on the survey.

*IMPORTANT* Upon completing the TANIC self-assessment survey, please TAKE A SCREENSHOT of the last page of the survey using a program such as Snipping Tool and save as a PDF or JPG and for your records. If you are unable to take a screenshot, please inform your faculty.

Reflection Questions:

Reflect upon your current or most recent clinical practice and answer the following:

How is informatics used?

Regarding the Pre-TANIC Self-Assessment for this week, how did your perceived competency level prior to the self-assessment compared to after the self-assessment? Explain in detail.

What TWO competencies do you use in your current clinical role? Provide examples.

Identify TWO resources to develop a strategic plan to enhance your competency skills.

Which resources are suited to your needs and why?

How do you intend to enact this improvement plan?