Nursing Informatics

NURSING AND COMPUTERS

COMPUTER
•Most powerful technological tool to transform the nursing profession prior to the new century.
•Transformed the nursing paper-based records to computer-based records .

4 MAIN FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER

1. Accepts data
2. Processes data
3. Produces output
4. Stores results

EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS 1ST , 2ND , 3RD , 4TH , 5TH GENERATION AND MORE TO COME…

•1940–1956: First Generation– Vacuum Tubes

•1956–1963: Second Generation–Transistors

•1964–1971: Third Generation– Integrated Circuits

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•1972– 2010: Fourth Generation– Microprocessors

•2010-to present : Fifth Generation– Artificial Intelligence

CLASSES OF COMPUTERS
•Analog Computer – Handle continuous input data i.e. continuously changing electric patterns of the heartbeat

•Digital Computer – Handle input that comes in discrete points in time

– Its data are represented by numbers, letters and symbols

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•Hybrid Computer – Contains features of both analog and digital computer

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
•Supercomputer – Largest type of computer
– Computational-oriented computer specially designed for scientific applications requiring gigantic amounts of
calculations
– Used in defense and weaponry, weather forecasting, scientific research

•Mainframe – Fastest, largest and most expensive type of computer

– Workhorse of the business world
– Used for processing, storing and retrieving data.
– Requires special environment—cold and dry.

• Microcomputers (Personal Computers or PCs) – Used for an increasing number of independent applications as well as serving as a
desktop link to the programs of the mainframe.

• Handheld Computers – Small, special function computers

– Limited in their expansion capabilities, ability to serve as full participants in the office network, and the peripherals they
can support.
– Personal digital assistants (PDAs)

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 COMPUTER IN NURSING
• Used to manage information in patient care, monitor the quality of care, and evaluate the outcomes of care.
• Computers and networks are now used for communicating (sending/receiving) data and messages via the Internet, accessing
resources, and interacting with patients on world wide web (www).

NURSING INFORMATICS (NI)

Defined by American Nurses Association (ANA, 2001)

• A specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data,
information, and knowledge in nursing practice.
• Facilitates the integration of data, information, and knowledge to support to patients, nurses, and other providers in their decision-
making in all roles and settings.
• This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology.

NURSING INFORMATICS (NI)

•Nursing science is the development of theories and practical concepts for improving how clinicians and patients administer care and
manage conditions. It merges the worlds of natural, applied, and human science into a multi-dimensional lens that explores new and
better ways to deliver health services.

• Information science is the study of processes for storing and retrieving information, especially scientific
or technical information.

•Computer science is the study of the principles and use of computers.

FOUR MAJOR NURSING AREAS

1.Nursing Practice
– Has become an integral part of the electronic health record (EHR).
– Computer systems with nursing and patient care data, nursing care plans are no longer separate subsystem of the
computerized HISs but rather integrated into one interdisciplinary patient health record in the HER.

– Nursing practice data emerged. Used to assess problems, document care, track the care process and measure
outcomes.

– The electronic version of nursing practice—the computer—has revolutionized and transformed nursing practice

2. Nursing Administration
– Nursing administration hospitals has also changed with the introduction of computer that links nursing departments
together
– Most policy and procedure manuals are accessed and retrieved by computer.
– The internet is being used by nurses to access the libraries, online resources, and research protocols at the bedside.

3. Nursing Education
– Most universities and schools of nursing offer computer enhanced courses, online courses, and/or distance education.

4. Nursing Research
Provides the impetus to use the computer for analyzing nursing data.

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COMPONENTS OF THE COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEM

• HARDWARE
– Refers to machinery. This category includes the computer itself, which is often referred to as the central processing unit
(CPU), and all of its support equipment. Among the support equipment are input and output devices, storage devices
and communication devices.

• Common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern computer:
– Motherboard
– Central Processing Unit (CPU)
– Random Access Memory (RAM)
– Power Supply
– Video Card
– Hard Drive (HDD)
– Solid-State Drive (SSD)
– Optical Drive (e.g., BD/DVD/CD drive)
– Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.)

• Common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern computer:

➢ Motherboard
• The motherboard is the piece of computer hardware that can be thought of as the "backbone" of the PC, or more
appropriately as the "mother" that holds all the pieces together.

➢ Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The central processing unit is the computer component that's responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands
from the computer's other hardware and software.

➢ Random Access Memory (RAM)

•Random Access Memory, or RAM (pronounced as
ramm), is the physical hardware inside a computer that temporarily stores data, serving as the computer's "working" memory.
• The purpose of RAM is to provide quick read and write access to a storage device. Your computer uses RAM to load data because
it's much quicker than running that same data directly off of a hard drive.

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➢ Power Supply
• The power supply unit is the piece of hardware that converts the power provided from the outlet into usable power for the many
parts inside the computer case.
• It converts the alternating current from your wall outlet into a continuous form of power called direct current that the computer
components require. It also regulates overheating by controlling voltage, which might change automatically or manually depending
on the power supply.

➢Video Card
• The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a
monitor, TV, or projector.

➢ Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• The hard disk drive is the main, and usually largest, data storage hardware device in a computer. The operating system, software
titles, and most other files are stored in the hard disk drive.

➢ Solid-State Drive (SSD)

• Solid state is a term that refers to electronic circuitry that is built entirely out of semiconductors. The term was originally used to
define those electronics such as a transistor radio that used semiconductors rather than vacuum tubes in its construction. Most
electronics that we have today are built around semiconductors and chips.
• In terms of a solid state drive, it refers to the fact that the primary storage medium is through semiconductors rather than a
magnetic media such as a hard drive.

➢ Optical Drive
• Optical drives retrieve and/or store data on optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and BDs (Blu-ray discs), any of which hold much more
information than previously available portable media options like the floppy disk.

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➢ Card Reader
•The generic term for an input device that reads flash memory cards. It can be a standalone device that connects to a computer via
USB or it may be integrated into a computer, printer, or multifunction device.

Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer, although many tablets, laptops, and
netbooks integrate some of these items into their housings:

a. Monitor

b. Keyboard

c. Mouse

d. Battery Backup (UPS)

e. Flash Drive

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f. Printer

g. Speakers

h. External Hard Drive

i. Pen Tablet

• Here are some less common individual computer hardware devices, either because these pieces are now usually integrated into
other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology:

a. Sound Card

b. Network Interface Card (NIC)

c. Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, etc.)

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d. Scanner

e. Projector

f. Floppy Disk Drive

g. Joystick

h. Webcam

i. Microphone

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• The following hardware is referred to as
network hardware, and various pieces are often part of a home or business network:

a. Digital Modem (e.g., Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.)

b. Router
c. Network Switch
d. Repeater
e. Print Server
f. Firewall

• Network hardware isn't as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many home routers will often
act as a combination router, switch, and firewall.

Modem vs Router

• The difference between a modem and a router is that a modem connects to the internet, while a router connects devices to Wi-Fi

Modem
What it Can Do
• Connects to your ISP(Internet Service Provider).
• Compatible specifically with the ISP.
• Converts the signal from them to a universal one that your computer can use.
What it Can't Do
• Create a local network.
• Run WiFi.
• Connect multiple devices to the internet.

Routers
What it Can Do
• Creates a local area network(LAN).
• Allows you to split your internet connection to all of your devices.
• Hosts WiFi.
• Run a firewall.
• Connect to a VPN.
What it Can't Do
• Connect directly to the internet.
• Decode the signal from your ISP.

• There's more computer hardware called

auxiliary hardware, of which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds:

a. Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.)

b. Heat Sink
c. Data Cable
d. Power Cable
e. CMOS Battery
f. Daughterboard

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• Some of the devices listed above are called peripheral devices. A peripheral device is a piece of hardware (whether internal or
external) that isn't actually involved in the computer's main function. Examples include a monitor, video card, disc drive, and mouse.

• SOFTWARE

a. General term applied to the instructions that direct the computer’s hardware to
perform work.

b. Hardware consists of physical components, whereas software consists of instructions communicated electronically to the
hardware.
• Software is needed for 2 purposes:
a. Computers do not directly understand human language, and software is needed to translate instructions created in human
language into machine language.
b. Packaged or stored software is needed to make the computer an economical work tool

TYPES OF SOFTWARE
• System Software
a. the basic computer software that commands the computer hardware and computer system to perform specific task.
b. Includes basic input and output system, operating system, machine servers, utility programs and windows

• Programming Software
a. Provides tools to assist programmer in writing commands or codes using different programming languages in a more convenient
way
• Application Software
a. Compiled readily executable program that can be used in different application (HER, games, etc.)

3 BASIC TYPES OF SOFTWARE

• Commercial
• Shareware
• Open Source

Information Technology System Applicable in Nursing practice

Electronic Health Record
- computerized patient records
- large data are being stored
- manage health information using modern information techniques
- made up of electronic medical records (EMR) from different departments such as laboratory, radiology, pharmacology department,
etc.

Types of Data Stored in EHR :

• Patient Profile
• Results of medical examination
• Medical History; History of allergies; immunization record, etc.
• Development of health condition and status
• Results of diagnostic tests
• Medication History
• Records of appointments
• Billing Records

TELEHEALTH

American Nurses Association (1997)

-delivery of healthcare services or activities with time and distance barriers removed and using technologies such as
telephones, computers, or interactive video transmissions.

TELEHEALTH

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Mosby’s Medical and Nursing Dictionary (1998)
- use of telecommunication technologies to provide healthcare services and access to medical and surgical information for
training and educating healthcare professionals and consumers, to increase awareness and educate the public about health related
issues and to facilitate medical research across distances.

THE INTERNET:
A NURSING RESOURCE
• Carries an enormous collection of information resources and services that change the lifestyle of the humanity.
• Nurses and other healthcare professionals use the power of internet to establish communications, documentation dissemination,
data and information transfer, etc.
• Since the internet has a collection of vast information, the patient already has an idea of his/her condition before consulting to
nurse or healthcare provider.

INFORMATION SYSTEM IN THE FIELD

THE INTERNET
Internet, a system architecture that has revolutionized communications and methods of commerce by allowing various computer
networks around the world to interconnect.
Sometimes referred to as a “network of networks”

THE INTERNET: A NURSING RESOURCE

Carries an enormous collection of information resources and services that change the lifestyle of the humanity. Nurses and other
healthcare professionals uses the power of internet to establish communications, documentation dissemination, data and
information transfer, etc. Since the internet has a collection of vast information, the patient already has an idea of his/her condition
before consulting to nurse or healthcare provider.

PDA AND WIRELESS DEVICES

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) Designed to work both as a stand-alone computer and as a device that communicates with other
computers. Common way to communicate to a computer is thru a cable— synchronize
- WLANs
- Bluetooth – short intervals
- Infrared Data Association (IrDA) — requires direct line of site

Smartphone (hybrid device combining wireless telephone, email, internet access and PDA organizer functions) is the opposite end of
the continuum.

Represents convergence between computing and communication.

EMAIL
Email is short for 'electronic mail’.
Similar to a letter, it is sent via the internet to a recipient.

An email address is required to receive email, and that address is unique to the user.

Some people use internet-based applications and some use programs on their computer to access and store emails.

BOOKMARK
When referring to an Internet browser, a bookmark or electronic bookmark is a method of saving a web page's address.

A bookmark is very useful when you find a web page that you want to remember and be able to look at another day.

When you bookmark a web page, you are creating a shortcut for quick access to that web page.

You can access that bookmark at any time and view the web page as many times as you want without having to search the Internet
to find it again.

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How to view bookmarks using shortcuts

Google Chrome - Ctrl+Shift+O or Cmd+Shift+B on

Mozilla Firefox - Ctrl+B or Ctrl+Shift+B
Microsoft Edge - Ctrl+I
Internet Explorer - Ctrl+I
Opera - Ctrl+Shift+B
Safari - Command+D.

VIDEO CONFERENCE

A video conference is a live, visual connection between two or more people residing in separate locations for the purpose of
communication.

At its simplest, video conferencing provides transmission of static images and text between two locations.

At its most sophisticated, it provides transmission of full-motion video images and high-quality audio between multiple locations.

VIDEO CONFERENCING BENEFITS

1. Reduced Travel Time and Costs

The oldest recognized benefit of video conferencing is reduced travel time and expenses. The ability for managers, internal teams,
and IT personnel to be in client meetings or solve issues without leaving their offices can help drive business productivity. Providing
video capacity for your customers can create a competitive offering. Even hiring can be less of a hassle if persons unable to be part of
the live interview process can evaluate the candidate from the recorded video call.

2. Optimized Attendance

Increased attendance from dispersed internal teams and clients is possible for participants who otherwise would have been
debilitated by location. Further, video recording capabilities mean that, if needed, all individuals who need the data (such as staff
training or presentations) can get the information when it is easiest for them, rather than delaying or not attending the meetings.

3. Structured Meetings with Improved Communications

Because people are calling from different locations, defined start and end-times are often agreed upon prior to the video call. This
allows for a more intensive discussion with less chit-chat, and participants are more likely to stay alert and focused on what is
discussed4.

4. Increased Productivity

As a result of improved communications, participants are more in sync, decisions are able to be made faster, and productivity
increases.

5. Employee Retention

The mobility offered by cloud-based video conferencing positively contributes to employee retention. Less travel requirements allow
a better work/life balance and employees can choose to work from home to alleviate cost of commuting. Remote employees can still
have
close relationships with team members, as video’s real
-time face-to-face interactions are richer than any alternative to in-person meetings.

6. Sustained Competitive Advantage

All of these aspects mean video conferencing provides a strong competitive advantage for your business. There’s no benefit to being
second, but with the right unified communication system, you can maintain a strong business position through effective collaboration
and productivity improvement.

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WEB 2.0

Web 2.0 is the name used to the describe the second generation of the world wide web, where it moved static HTML pages to a
more interactive and dynamic web experience.
Web 2.0 is focused on the ability for people to collaborate and share information online via social media, blogging and Web-based
communities.

WEB 2.0
Blogs and wikis are some of the new and exciting web 2.0 technologies.

‘Web 2.0’ is a
term used to describe online tools which facilitate information sharing, creativity and collaboration over the internet.

Other examples of popular web 2.0 technologies include video sharing sites such as YouTube and social networking spaces like
MySpace or Facebook.

BLOGS, WIKIS AND PODCAST

A blog is an informal website consisting of time stamped articles, or posts, in a diary or journal format, usually listed in reverse
chronological order.

You use a blog when reflecting interests, opinions, and personalities.

A wiki is a collaborative web site that allows users to create, add to, modify, or delete the web site content via their web browser.

You use a wiki to look up information or look for references for a research paper.

A podcast is a digital medium that consists of an episodic series of audio, digital radio, PDF subscribed to and downloaded through
web or streamed online to a computer or mobile device.

You use a podcast to hear music or streamed talk shows.

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