HSN/376: Health Information Technology for Nursing

Course Information: HSN/376 is a course that explores the integration of technology in the nursing field to improve patient care and safety.
The course focuses on Health Informatics, Nursing Informatics, and how these fields utilize Electronic Health Records (EHR), Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and Health IT Systems to enhance the quality of healthcare.

Students will be introduced to essential concepts such as Data Management in Healthcare, Healthcare Automation, Patient Safety Technology, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare.
The course also addresses the future of nursing technology, examining emerging trends and how they will shape patient-centered care. It aims to provide students with a strong understanding of the technologies influencing healthcare and their direct impact on clinical practices and patient outcomes.

Credits

This course is worth 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the role of information and data management in enhancing patient care. Students will explore the fundamentals of Health Informatics and how technologies such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) contribute to better patient outcomes. Students will also discuss the role of technology in patient safety and quality improvement.
2. Describe how clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are employed to enhance patient safety and care. Students will evaluate the impact of CDSS on clinical decision-making and its importance in reducing errors and improving patient safety.
3. Analyze how consumer health information and informatics changes can redefine health advice and care. Students will examine the growing role of Consumer Health Informatics (CHI), including the influence of telemedicine and online health platforms, in shaping patient care and self-management.

Materials

Textbook

• Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (6th ed.). Prentice-Hall/Pearson.

This textbook provides an in-depth overview of Health Informatics, Nursing Informatics, and the technologies used in modern healthcare settings. Students will use this as a primary resource for understanding both the theoretical and practical applications of informatics in nursing practice.

Weekly Schedule and Activities

Week 1: Role of Technology and Informatics in Nursing

This week’s focus is on the fundamental principles of Health Informatics and its application in nursing. The role of technology in enhancing patient care will be examined, with a particular emphasis on Nursing Informatics. Students will learn how Health IT Systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), help streamline patient data management and improve communication between healthcare providers.

Activities:

• Advancements in Nursing Informatics: Discuss the evolution of informatics in nursing, highlighting key technologies that have revolutionized patient care.
• P.A.T.C.H. Test (Pretest for Attitudes Toward Computers in Healthcare): Reflect on personal attitudes towards the use of technology in healthcare.
• Nursing Informatics: Beyond the Electronic Health Record: Explore how informatics goes beyond EHRs to include patient safety technology and data management systems.
• Discussion and Assessment: Participate in a discussion about the role of technology in improving patient-centered care and patient safety.

Assignments:

• University Library Resources Discussion (40 points)
• Summative Assessment: Information Technology, Safety, and Patient Outcomes (150 points)

Week 2: Health Information System Overview

In this week, students will dive into the components of Health Information Systems (HIS) and how they function within healthcare environments. The role of Data Management in Healthcare is critical to the effective use of HIS in improving patient care, reducing errors, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Activities:

• Health Information System Components: Learn about the key components of HIS and their function in managing healthcare data.
• What is a Health Information System (HIS)?: Explore different types of HIS systems and how they interconnect to improve care delivery.

Assignments:

• University Library Resources Discussion (40 points)
• Informatics Solution Proposal: Issue Identification (150 points)

Week 3: Clinical Decision Support Systems

This week focuses on Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), which provide real-time support to healthcare providers by offering evidence-based recommendations. The integration of Clinical Decision Support into Electronic Health Records (EHR) will be explored in detail.

Activities:

• Clinical Decision Support: Examine the impact of CDSS on improving decision-making and patient outcomes, as well as their role in enhancing patient safety.
• Case Studies: Evaluate real-world examples where CDSS has been successfully implemented in nursing practice.

Assignments:

• University Library Resources Discussion (40 points)
• Summative Assessment: Informatics Solution Proposal: General Solution (150 points)

Week 4: Consumer Education and Informatics

In this week, students will learn about Consumer Health Informatics (CHI), which aims to provide patients with information and resources to better manage their health. The role of telemedicine, online health tools, and self-paced patient education will be discussed, with an emphasis on how these resources enhance patient-centered care.

Activities:

• Consumer Health Informatics (CHI): Discuss how CHI empowers patients to take control of their health by providing access to information and health management tools.
• Self-Paced Patient Education: Examine the benefits of using digital platforms for patient education and engagement.

Assignments:

• University Library Resources Discussion (40 points)
• Informatics Solution Proposal: Areas of Evaluation (150 points)

Week 5: Future Trends in Healthcare Technology

This final week focuses on the future of Health IT Systems and the continued advancement of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare, telemedicine, and healthcare automation. The course will conclude with a focus on the Future of Nursing Technology and how these innovations will shape patient care and nursing practice.

Activities:

• AI Technology in Healthcare: Learn how AI is transforming healthcare delivery, from predictive analytics to robotic surgery.
• The Future of Healthcare: Discuss the emerging trends in healthcare technology and how they will influence patient outcomes.
• The Future of Nursing Technology: Explore how advancements in nursing technology will change nursing practice and improve patient-centered care.

Assignments:

• University Library Resources Discussion (40 points)
• Summative Assessment: Informatics Solution Proposal: Specific Solution Presentation (200 points)

Assignments and Grading Breakdown

• Discussions: 40 points each week (Total: 200 points)
• Summative Assessments: 150-200 points each (Total: 850 points)
• Final Grade: Based on the cumulative points from discussions and assignments

Textbook and Reading Materials

The primary textbook for this course is:

• Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of Informatics for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (6th ed.). Prentice-Hall/Pearson.

Additional reading materials and resources will be provided through the University Library Resources, which are accessible online and will assist in deepening your understanding of course concepts.

Discussions and Assessments

Throughout the course, students will participate in online discussions where they will analyze and critique various aspects of Nursing Informatics, Health IT Systems, and their impact on patient care. Each week will involve participation in these discussions, contributing to the overall grade.

In addition, there will be summative assessments each week, focusing on a variety of topics, including the use of Clinical Decision Support Systems, the role of Consumer Health Informatics, and the integration of AI in Healthcare.

Patient Safety and Informatics

A critical component of this course is understanding the relationship between Patient Safety Technology and informatics. Students will learn how Health Information Systems (HIS), EHRs, and CDSS contribute to improving patient safety, reducing errors, and enhancing clinical outcomes.

Advancements in Nursing Informatics

The course will cover Advancements in Nursing Informatics, emphasizing the growing role of technology in nursing practice. The use of electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health tools, and automated decision-making systems are transforming how nurses deliver care and monitor patient progress.

AI and the Future of Healthcare

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to make strides in healthcare, students will explore its potential in shaping the future of healthcare technology. AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics and robotic assistance, will have a profound impact on clinical decision support, patient safety, and overall patient care.

Informatics in Nursing Practice

In this section, students will examine how Informatics is applied in nursing practice. They will learn how Health Information Systems (HIS) are used to manage patient data, automate workflows, and provide insights for clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient-centered care.

Health Information Systems and Patient Care

Students will gain an understanding of how Health Information Systems (HIS) are essential in modern healthcare. By improving the management and sharing of patient data, HIS play a pivotal role in enhancing patient care and optimizing clinical workflows.

Clinical Decision Support and Patient Safety

The integration of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) in healthcare settings helps ensure that patient safety is prioritized. Students will learn how these systems provide clinicians with real-time, evidence-based recommendations to enhance decision-making and reduce the risk of errors.

Consumer Health Informatics in Nursing

Consumer Health Informatics (CHI) is becoming increasingly important in nursing practice. This week, students will explore how CHI tools and resources empower patients to take charge of their health, from accessing medical information to utilizing telemedicine platforms.

Technology and Data Management in Healthcare

The use of technology to manage healthcare data is essential to modern patient care. Students will discuss the role of Data Management in Healthcare and how it impacts clinical outcomes, patient safety, and the delivery of patient-centered care.

In conclusion, HSN/376 provides a comprehensive exploration of how technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape, particularly in nursing. Students will leave the course with a deep understanding of Health IT Systems, Nursing Informatics, and the role of AI and Clinical Decision Support Systems in improving patient care.