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Objectives
Identify a brief historical perspective of nursing informatics.
Explore lessons learned from the pioneers in nursing informatics.
List the major landmark events and milestones of nursing informatics.
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Key Words
Computers
Computer Literacy
Computer Systems
Data Standards
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)
Information Systems
Internet
Nursing Informatics (NI)
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Nursing Informatics is a phrase that evolved from the French word “informatique” which referred to the field of applied computer science concerned with the processing of information such as nursing information. The computer was seen as a tool that could be used in many environments.
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In the early 1960s, the computer was introduced into healthcare facilities for the processing of basic administrative tasks. Thus the computer revolution in healthcare began and led to today’s healthcare information technology (HIT) and/or electronic health record (EHR) systems.
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The importance of the computer as an essential tool in HIT systems and the delivery of contemporary healthcare is indisputable. HIT is an all-encompassing term referring to technology that captures, processes, and generates healthcare information. Computerization and/or electronic processing affect all aspects of healthcare delivery including (a) provision and documentation of patient care, (b) education of healthcare providers, (c) scientific research for advancing healthcare delivery, (d) administration of healthcare delivery services, (e) reimbursement for patient care, (f) legal and ethical implications, as well as (g) safety and quality issues.
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Since the inception of the computer, there has been a shift from the use of mainframe, mini, or microcomputers (PCs) to integrating multiple technologies and telecommunication devices such as wireless, handheld, mobile computers, and smart (cell) phones designed to support the continuity of care across healthcare settings and HIT systems. There has also been a shift from storage devices to cloud storage. Furthermore, there is less need to develop written instructions for software programs as today’s applications are icon-based, user-friendly, and menu-driven. Additionally, video tutorials are available for many programs. Touch-screen devices are replacing the need for a mouse.
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Today, computers in nursing are used to manage patient care information, monitor quality, and evaluate outcomes. Computers and networks are also being used for communicating (sending and receiving) data and messages via the Internet, accessing resources, and interacting with patients on the Web. Nurses are increasingly using systems for planning, budgeting, and policy-making for patient care services. Computers are also used to document and process real-time plans of care, support nursing research, test new systems, design new knowledge databases, develop data warehouses, and advance the role of nursing in the healthcare industry and nursing science. Moreover, computers are enhancing nursing education and distance learning with new media modalities.
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This chapter is an updated and revised version of the chapter “Historical Perspectives of Nursing Informatics” (Saba & Westra, 2015) published in the 6th edition of the Essentials of Nursing Informatics (Saba & ...