What Is And/Or Should Be Nursing’s Role In Decision Making ✓ Solved

What is and/or should be nursing’s role in decision making

What is and/or should be nursing’s role in decision making regarding selecting information systems?

Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

Nursing professionals play a critical role in the decision-making process regarding the selection of information systems within healthcare settings. As these systems become increasingly integral to patient care, understanding the nursing role in this context is essential. This paper will explore the current and potential roles of nursing in selecting information systems and discuss the implications for patient care and outcomes.

The Importance of Nursing Involvement

Nurses are on the front lines of patient care, providing essential insights into the daily operations of healthcare facilities. Their extensive experience and understanding of patient needs position them uniquely to contribute to discussions surrounding information systems (Carrington & Tiase, 2013). According to Nelson and Staggers (2014), involving nursing professionals in decision-making not only enhances the relevance of the selected systems but also improves the overall user experience and efficacy of the technology in managing patient information.

Understanding Information Systems in Nursing

Information systems in healthcare encompass a range of technologies designed to streamline processes, enhance communication, and ensure seamless access to patient data. These systems include electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems, and telehealth platforms (Hessels et al., 2015). Each of these has the potential to significantly impact patient care by improving data accuracy, facilitating better communication, and allowing for more coordinated care among healthcare providers. Therefore, nurses must be equipped to assess these systems critically.

Nursing’s Role in the Selection Process

Nurses can contribute to the decision-making process regarding information systems in several key areas:

  • Needs Assessment: Nurses can identify the specific needs and challenges faced in clinical settings. Their input can help pinpoint which features are essential for the information system to enhance patient care.
  • Usability Testing: Involvement in the testing phase allows nurses to evaluate the practicality and user-friendliness of systems before they are implemented. Feedback from nurses can highlight potential issues that may not be apparent to IT professionals (Rudin et al., 2015).
  • Training and Education: Nurses often lead training programs for new information systems, making their insights invaluable for ensuring that training is effective and relevant to user needs.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Post-implementation, nurses are vital in assessing the effectiveness of the information systems and providing feedback for continuous improvement (Hessels et al., 2015).

Challenges Faced by Nursing Professionals

Despite their integral role, nurses often face challenges when it comes to participating in decision-making processes related to information systems. One significant barrier is the lack of representation in leadership roles where such decisions are made. Moreover, there can be a lack of understanding among decision-makers about the contributions that nursing professionals can offer (Carrington & Tiase, 2013). These issues highlight the need for healthcare organizations to actively seek nursing input and consider their unique perspectives when selecting information systems.

Recommendations for Enhancing Nursing Roles

To enhance nursing's role in decision-making regarding information systems, several strategies can be implemented:

  • Creating Collaborative Teams: Establish interdisciplinary teams that include nurses in the decision-making process for information systems. This can ensure that all perspectives are considered, resulting in more informed decisions.
  • Professional Development: Provide opportunities for nurses to learn about health informatics and information systems. Increasing their knowledge can empower nurses to contribute more effectively to decision-making (Nelson & Staggers, 2014).
  • Fostering a Culture of Inclusion: Encourage a culture that values nurse input by promoting inclusive practices within healthcare organizations. This could involve regular meetings where nurses can voice concerns or suggestions about current and prospective information systems.

Conclusion

Nursing's role in decision-making regarding information systems is essential for ensuring that technology meets the needs of patients and healthcare providers. By actively including nursing professionals in the selection process, healthcare organizations can improve patient care and outcomes. Addressing the barriers faced by nurses and implementing strategies to enhance their involvement can lead to more effective and supportive healthcare environments.

References

  • Carrington, J. M., & Tiase, V. L. (2013). Nursing informatics year in review. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 37(2), 136–143.
  • Hessels, A., Flynn, L., Cimiotti, J. P., Bakken, S., & Gershon, R. (2015). Impact of health information technology on the quality of patient care. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 19(3), 1–13.
  • Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2014). Health informatics: An interdisciplinary approach to information and communication technology in healthcare. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Rudin, R. S., Jones, S. S., Shekelle, P. G., Hillestad, R., & Keeler, E. B. (2015). The value of health information technology: Filling the knowledge gap. Health Affairs, 34(3), 399-405.

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