NR 706 Week 5 Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-706: Healthcare Informatics & Information Systems
Prof. Name
Date
Week 5: Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice
Information technology (IT) has become a cornerstone of modern nursing practice. The introduction of electronic medical records (EMRs), telehealth, barcode scanning systems, and advanced documentation tools has transformed the way nurse practitioners deliver patient care. These technologies not only improve safety but also enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. Evidence suggests that the use of IT in nursing promotes improved healthcare outcomes, reduces costs, and enhances patient safety (Bowles, Dykes, & Demiris, 2015).
Technology has also streamlined communication between healthcare providers and patients, allowing for better data sharing and care coordination through EMRs. However, while the advantages of IT are significant, concerns remain regarding its potential impact on the nurse–patient relationship (Shih & Rosenblum, 2017). Nursing is fundamentally a caring profession, where physical presence, touch, and empathy are critical components of patient interactions (Watson, 2006). Balancing technological efficiency with human connection continues to be a challenge in advanced nursing practice.
The Role of Caring in Nursing Practice
Historically, nursing has been grounded in human connection and compassion. Nurses enter the profession with a strong desire to help others and foster meaningful relationships. Caring behaviors, such as offering a comforting touch or maintaining eye contact, play a vital role in establishing trust and reducing patient anxiety. However, the rise of EMR documentation and reliance on computers has, at times, shifted the nurse’s focus away from direct patient interaction.
For example, I have observed clinicians entering patient rooms and immediately logging into computers to input data, often bypassing personal greetings or physical gestures such as a handshake. These subtle acts of caring, though small, are essential for building rapport and showing empathy. Without them, patients may perceive healthcare as impersonal and transactional.
Case Example: The Impact of Technology on Clinical Decision-Making
A personal experience further highlights the dual role of technology in nursing practice. When my son’s pediatric nurse practitioner reviewed his bilirubin results, the lab values indicated an elevated level of greater than 2.5 mg/dL. Despite my son showing no visible symptoms of jaundice—no yellowing of the skin or sclera—the practitioner initially recommended hospital admission for further evaluation.
I encouraged her to conduct a physical assessment before proceeding. After reassessing, she realized the child’s clinical presentation did not align with the lab results. A repeat test later confirmed normal levels. This situation demonstrated how reliance solely on technological data, without incorporating clinical judgment, can lead to unnecessary interventions and increased healthcare costs.
Benefits and Challenges of Information Technology in Nursing
The integration of IT into nursing has transformed care delivery, but it also presents challenges.
NR 706 Week 5 Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice
| Benefits of Information Technology | Challenges of Information Technology |
|---|---|
| Enhances patient safety by reducing errors through barcode scanning and EMRs | Risk of depersonalizing care if technology overshadows nurse–patient interaction |
| Improves efficiency in communication and data sharing | Can create over-reliance on lab values and technology over clinical assessment |
| Reduces healthcare costs through streamlined processes | Increases screen time, reducing face-to-face interaction |
| Supports evidence-based decision-making with real-time data access | May cause frustration among nurses unfamiliar with advanced systems |
| Facilitates telehealth and remote patient monitoring | Raises privacy and ethical concerns regarding patient data security |
Balancing Technology and Caring in Advanced Nursing
Technology is now deeply embedded in nursing practice, but it is critical to strike a balance between efficiency and compassionate care. Nurse practitioners must ensure that while using EMRs and telehealth systems, they do not lose sight of the interpersonal aspects of nursing. Simple gestures such as greeting patients warmly, maintaining eye contact, and offering reassurance can complement technology, ensuring holistic care delivery.
Advanced nursing practice should therefore emphasize integration, not substitution—using technology to support decision-making while retaining the human touch that defines nursing.
References
Bowles, K. H., Dykes, P., & Demiris, G. (2015). The use of health information technology to improve care and outcomes for older adults. Research in Gerontological Nursing, 8(1), 5–10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431690/
Shih, D., & Rosenblum, R. (2017). Attitudes and perceptions of advanced practice nurses towards health information technology and its effects on caring. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(3). https://www.himss.org/library/attitudes-and-perceptions-advanced-practice-nurses-towards-health-information-technology-and-its
NR 706 Week 5 Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice
Watson, J. (2006). Nursing caring and sharing. American Nurse Today, 1(3). https://www.americannursetoday.com/nurses-caring-and-sharing/