What is informatics in nursing?

As patient expectations increase with calls for more personalised, innovative and data-driven care, the pressure on health providers to improve outcomes has intensified.

In response, many fields within the healthcare sector are evolving to better leverage data and digital tools that streamline operations and improve the experience of both patients and healthcare providers.

One of the most pivotal is the field of nursing informatics. While the specialisation has existed for decades, nursing informatics plays an increasingly integral role in driving innovation across the board, from frontline practice to high-level leadership.

But what exactly is informatics in nursing?

In this article, we’ll explore the field of nursing informatics and its practical applications, discuss its importance in the changing world of healthcare, and highlight future trends shaping the future of nursing.

What is nursing informatics?

Informatics in nursing integrates nursing science with computer and information sciences to enhance organisational efficiency, patient care delivery and overall health outcomes.

It’s a data-driven approach that aims to optimise the clinical experience for everyone involved and is at the forefront of innovations in the healthcare industry.

Nursing informaticists most often work in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but they can also work in academic or business settings.

Their role typically involves developing and managing health-specific computer systems, such as working with electronic health records, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and other health analysis tools to support optimised care.

A significant part of their job is communicating the data with other healthcare professionals to drive wider innovation and improvements where needed.

While nursing informaticists have traditionally held dedicated positions, there’s a growing emphasis on informatics literacy among all nurses as health services become increasingly digitised.

What is the importance of informatics in nursing?

While Australia’s healthcare system is recognised as one of the strongest in the world, research shows that there is still significant room for improvement—particularly in terms of equity of health outcomes, the level of proactive care, and the use of innovative medicines and practices.

Data and innovation have always played an integral role in effective patient care. However, as the demand for improvements in the health industry grows, so does the importance of informatics in nursing.

Here are some areas where informatics in nursing plays an important role.

Improve the standards of patient care

Nursing informatics is crucial in enhancing the quality and safety of patient care. Electronic health systems allow nurses to leverage comprehensive and accurate patient data to make informed clinical decisions and deliver personalised care.

Access to and proficiency in real-time health data also helps to prevent medical errors, ensures the continuity of care and supports the comprehensive and specialised treatment plans patients are calling for.

By integrating data analytics, nurses can identify patterns, trends and potential warning signs, leading to early detection and prevention of potential health issues and timely interventions where necessary.

Enhance operational efficiency and accuracy

Informatics in nursing is foundational to the operational accuracy and efficiency of health facilities.

Integrating modern tech can automate administrative tasks, reduce paperwork and streamline workflows. For example, electronic health documentation reduces the time spent on manual record-keeping, allowing nurses to focus on more direct patient care.

Regarding accuracy, informatics tools facilitate precise and detailed medical administration through tools like barcode scanning and electronic prescribing, which minimise the risk of human error and save significant time.

These practices benefit nurses by enhancing productivity and improving the overall patient experience through faster and more comprehensive care delivery.

Optimise clinical decision support systems

Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are a core component of nursing informatics. They leverage existing data to provide evidence-based recommendations, alerts and reminders to health practitioners to support accurate and effective clinical decision-making.

CDSS can also help nurses identify potential drug interactions, suggest appropriate interventions and ensure adherence to clinical guidelines. By providing real-time support, these systems enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of nursing care, leading to better patient outcomes.

Practical applications of informatics in nursing

Nursing informatics has a wide array of practical applications across the field and this range is only set to expand as technology progresses. Here are some of the most common practical applications in the industry right now.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digitised versions of patients' hard copy or paper charts. They store and provide comprehensive and up-to-date patient information that’s easily accessible to authorised healthcare providers.

This makes it easier for patients to ensure that their health needs are always met and that they receive the proper care from wherever they might be in the state or country.

EHRs also facilitate better care coordination by allowing multiple providers to access and share patient information. They’re a key and comprehensive tool for supporting clinical documentation, medication and vaccination order management, and the overall reporting and quality of patient care.

Telehealth and telemedicine

Telehealth and telemedicine have been growing in adoption and use for years, but they surged in popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic. Both services leverage technology to deliver quality healthcare services remotely.

This may include virtual consultations, remote health monitoring using advanced tech devices and telephonic triage to ensure patients are connected with the right provider for their needs.

Telehealth has been transformative in helping nurses provide care to patients in rural or underserved areas, saving huge amounts of travel time and vastly improving healthcare access and convenience.

Significantly, it also allows for ongoing monitoring of chronic conditions, facilitating timely interventions and reducing hospital readmissions, thus easing pressure on hospitals.

Mobile health applications

Mobile health applications, also referred to as mHealth apps in Australia, are tools that patients and healthcare providers can use on their smartphones and tablets to manage their health and overall wellness.

While the specific capabilities and uses of the apps will vary depending on the health or wellness issue they’re targeting, mHealth apps can track a patient’s vital signs, medication adherence and lifestyle changes.

They can also provide education and prompt reminders to patients, empowering them to take an active role in their health management and in some cases, freeing time for nurses and healthcare providers.

The apps make it easier for nurses to monitor patient progress and communicate with them, improving patient engagement and overall self-care.

Future trends in nursing informatics

The future of nursing informatics is full of potential as the integration of—and innovations in—tech expand to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry, a major focus for the government.

The Australian government’s National Nursing and Midwifery Digital Health Capability Framework highlights the need for a workforce that’s ready for a digital future, particularly in leadership and accuracy, data and information quality, information-enabled care, technology, and digital professionalism.

For nurses, this might also mean a greater demand for specialised education in this area, including postgraduate qualifications that encompass nursing informatics.

State governments have also introduced strategies that emphasise the importance of nursing informatics in equipping nurses with the digital literacy essential for modern patient care.

This is driving a number of exciting developments in the field, some of which we’ve outlined below.

AI and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are already transforming many industries at a rapid pace.

In the field of nursing informatics, these innovations can provide tools for predictive analytics, decision support and more personalised care. AI can analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict patient outcomes, helping nurses anticipate and prevent serious health issues.

Big data analytics

Big data analytics involves examining large and varied data sets to uncover patterns, correlations and insights that may otherwise take weeks, months or even years to identify.

In nursing informatics, big data can enhance patient care by identifying trends in patient populations, improving disease surveillance, optimising resource allocation and potentially much more.

Interoperability

Interoperability describes the ability of different information systems and software applications to communicate, exchange and use data effectively.

Leveraging or enhancing interoperability in nursing informatics can help ensure that patient information is seamlessly and accurately shared across various healthcare settings, improving the coordination, continuation and overall quality of care.

Wearable health technologies

Wearable health technologies, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are popular for providing real-time health monitoring and data collection.

These devices can already track physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns and other vital signs. As technology advances, their accuracy and practical use cases will continue to improve, providing valuable data for personalised care and early detection of health issues.

Empower your future with VU Online

Nursing informatics is ripe with opportunities for nurses who want to be at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry and help shape the future of healthcare.

VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership is designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge to deliver better care for better health through leadership, research and innovation.

Delivered 100% online with flexible study options, students gain access to a comprehensive, cutting-edge curriculum and personalised support delivered by industry experts.

Take the lead and harness the power of technology with VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership.

Ready to learn more? Reach out to our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 682 051 or email futurestudy@online.vu.edu.au.