Health Care Informatics

What is Health Care Informatics? 

Informatics is defined by McGonigle and Mastrian as the “…combination of nursing science, information science, and computer science” (2009, p5).  There are indeed many ways of defining informatics, but this definition is stated clearly.  Nursing science involves the use of knowledge gained through study, research, and general practice “…to provide services and interventions to patients in order to maintain, enhance, or restore their health”, which in turn advances the profession of nursing (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p6-7).  Information science involves “…the input, processing, output, and feedback of data information through technology integration with a focus on comprehending the perspective of the stakeholders involved and then applying information technology as needed” (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p19).  Computer science, although complex, is relatively user friendly.  With the basic components of hardware and software, nurses input their accumulated information and data into the structure which then can be maneuvered and accessed at any given time (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p29). 

Why is Health Care Informatics important? 

            Informatics is the collection of data technology, which plays a major role in medical decisions and its affect when applied to patient care (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p108).  “[T]he focus on nursing informatics research should be on the structuring and processing of patient information and how these inform nursing decision making in clinical practice” (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p13).  Since patient care is the sole aspect of nursing, informatics integration in nursing practice is vital.  Nurses use technology more and more each day while providing patient care.  Examples of this include: pulse ox, telemetry, ultrasound, EEG, ECG, fetal monitoring equipment, infusion pumps, and especially the electronic medical record.  The list can go on and on.  Evolving technology is all around us, so why shouldn’t healthcare evolve as well?  Try to imagine taking care of patients without the involvement of technology and what are you left with?  A stethoscope, pen, and paper?  Does this sound like it would be efficient and safe?  The answer is NO.   “The future of nursing science and nursing informatics is intimately associated with the nursing education and nursing research arenas” (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p12).  It is important not only nurses but every healthcare worker to be active in informatics.  We must all adapt and change to benefit the patient.  The best way to do this is to become more knowledgeable about computers and what they have to offer.   “Current computer hardware and software offer vital and valuable tools for both nurses and clients to engage in onscreen and online activities that provide rich access to data and information.  It is imperative that nurses become discerning yet skilled users of computer technology in order to apply the principles of nursing informatics to practice and to contribute to the profession’s ever-growing body of knowledge” (McGonigle, & Mastrian, 2009, p50). 

            There are many aspects of Health care Informatics that I did not address, but hopefully this provides you with a general overview of what it entails.  Any curiosity of informatics can be fulfilled by additional study and research.  May your world transform to the ever-growing and infinite changes of technology and its affect on the health care industry. 

McGonigle, D, & Mastrian, K. (2009). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.