N101 Nursing Informatics AY 2024-2025

Nursing informatics is pivotal in enhancing wellness for older adults. A study by Demiris et al. (2013) demonstrates how technology, such as telehealth for monitoring vital signs and cognitive assessments, can provide a comprehensive view of elderly patients’ health in assisted living facilities. This approach integrates data from multiple sources, allowing for early detection of trends and health issues, and facilitating personalized care.

Despite these advancements, older adults often struggle with new technologies due to issues like memory loss or unfamiliarity among others. Lyons et al. (2019) also pointed out that while innovations in telehealth and smart home technologies offer significant benefits, barriers such as affordability and lack of access remain. Needless to say, bridging the digital divide is the most essential. Nursing informatics must focus on making technology user-friendly and offering customized training to improve adoption among elderly patients. Moreover, informatics professionals should advocate for policies and programs that provide necessary resources and support to ensure equitable access to technological advancements.

By addressing these issues, nursing informatics can greatly enhance the quality of care for geriatric patients, improving their overall wellness and effectively managing the challenges of aging.

References

Demiris, G., Thompson, H. J., Reeder, B., Wilamowska, K., & Zaslavsky, O. (2013). Using informatics to capture older adults' wellness. International journal of medical informatics, 82(11), e232–e241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2011.03.004

Lyons, J. P., Watson, K., Massacci, A., & Edoh, T. (2021). The Evolution of Elderly Telehealth and Health Informatics. IntechOpen. Retrieved September 15, 2024, from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/68526

Equal healthcare access to all is the goal of our society, however indgenous peoples have been put in especially vulnerable situations where they are more susceptible to the effects of natural disasters, pandemics, and outbreaks. Their unique language systems, remote geographical locations, and cultural beliefs often serve as barriers whenever they try availing services. With this, a deeper understanding of transcultural factors in nursing needs to be applied in order to avoid our healthcare systems being urban-centric. This problem also goes beyond the issues with our healthcare system. Quality education needs to be far more accessible to everyone to promote unifying concepts upholding the health of everyone. 

References

Yang, E., Kim, J., Biag, A., Mangulabnan, J., Dela Cruz, A., & Sarmiento, P. J. (2020). A study on health and hygiene needs, strategies, and well‐being of an Aeta Indigenous community in the Philippines through photovoice methods. Asian Social Work and Policy Review, 14(3), 126–137. https://doi.org/10.1111/aswp.12203 

Delivering care to older age groups through the application of nursing informatics is affected by several factors. For instance, Heart and Kalderon (2013) emphasized that age is negatively related to the use of information and communication technology due to age-related changes, declines in sensory and cognitive abilities, and difficulties in obtaining technical support. Moreover, it has been reported that older adults tend to adopt technologies selectively based on their perceived usefulness for specific needs.

However, in the context of the Philippines, a significant factor is the lack of accessibility to such platforms. For instance, people in the community may not be aware of the Manila Health Department online portal and may lack the means (e.g., cellular data, compatible phones) to access it. Despite their willingness to seek medical care, they simply do not have the capacity to do so.

Therefore, it is crucial to address these gaps by not only providing the necessary resources but also ensuring that policies and programs offer the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for both older adults and the general population to effectively adopt and use these technologies. This approach will help make the technology accessible and user-friendly for all.

References:

• Heart, T., & Kalderon, E. (2013). Older adults: are they ready to adopt health-related ICT?. International journal of medical informatics, 82(11), e209-e231.
• Melenhorst, A. S., Rogers, W. A., & Bouwhuis, D. G. (2006). Older adults' motivated choice for technological innovation: evidence for benefit-driven selectivity. Psychology and aging, 21(1), 190.

In Kamali et al.’s (2018) study, several factors were highlighted that influence the application of nursing informatics in delivering healthcare services to pregnant women. One significant factor is the varied information needs of expectant mothers. Pregnant women often seek detailed information on pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, including topics such as fetal development, nutrition, and labor pain management. This diverse demand underscores the importance of tailoring information resources to meet specific needs, which can be facilitated through effective use of nursing informatics tools.

Barriers to information access also play a crucial role. Challenges such as lack of knowledge, financial constraints, and language barriers affect the ability of women to obtain relevant information. For instance, many scientific resources are available primarily in English, which can be a significant obstacle for non-English-speaking populations. Addressing these barriers through accessible and multilingual informatics solutions can improve information dissemination.

Additionally, sources of information significantly impact how pregnant women receive and use health information. Physicians are a primary source, but the Internet and family/friends also play important roles. The increasing reliance on digital platforms highlights the need for informatics systems that integrate these diverse sources, ensuring comprehensive and timely information delivery.

Finally, cultural and regional factors affect information needs and preferences. For example, the study notes differences in information-seeking behavior among women based on their geographical location and education level. Informatics systems must be adaptable to these variations, providing relevant content and support that aligns with local practices and expectations.

In summary, nursing informaticists must consider these factors—information needs, barriers, sources, and cultural differences—to design and implement effective health information systems for pregnant women. This approach ensures that the technology supports comprehensive, accessible, and contextually appropriate healthcare services.

Reference:

• Kamali, S., Ahmadian, L., Khajouei, R., & Bahaadinbeigy, K. (2018). Health information needs of pregnant women: information sources, motives and barriers. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 35(1), 24-37.

As someone who is enthusiastic with toddlers, I want to prioritize this age group in the provision of healthcare and nursing services. Oftentimes, this specific stage in life and development is overlooked as the stage where children are just naughty, active, and difficult to handle especially in acts of promulgating healthcare outcomes and services. Nevertheless, I see that although these sentiments are true, toddlers require attention and understanding as they are in the formative stage of their psychosocial development. 

One factor that I think nursing informatics can and will be useful in addressing toddler’s nursing care needs is the responsible use of technology. As mentioned earlier, this stage is the formative years of the child wherein exposure to technology is very much likely to happen. They are explorative and curious of the world around them and having access to technology such as smartphones, tablets, television, and even toys are inevitable. By responsibly teaching and incorporating technology with the needs of toddlers, nurses can ensure a more holistic approach that would implore compliance and participation from the toddlers as they perform their nursing interventions. 

Another factor would be the integration of age-appropriate activities and paraptions that are results of responsible, extensive application of nursing informatics as a field of study and practice. The creation of engaging forms of play and activities not only ensure cooperation but ensures an avenue of connection, communication, and engagement with toddlers as nursing interventions are performed with them. Moreso, the recognition of differences in each toddler’s healthcare needs is also considered in this as we know that every child has their own needs, wants, and preferences. 

Reference: 

Shiffman, R. N., Spooner, S. A., Kwiatkowski, K., & Brennan, P. F. (2001). Information Technology for Children’s Health and Health Care: Report on the Information Technology in Children’s Health Care Expert Meeting, September 21-22, 2000. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 8(6), 546–551. https://doi.org/10.1136/jamia.2001.0080546

A priority healthcare need of my community (Cavite) would probably cater around persons with substance use disorder (SUD) Through access to voluntary, community-based rehabilitation services rather than compulsory or punitive treatment. The application of nursing informatics in this context is influenced by several factors. 

First, secure data collection and integration are crucial to ensure individualized care, but users may be reluctant to share sensitive information due to fear of legal repercussions. Nursing informaticists must prioritize data confidentiality to protect patient rights. 

Second, stigma and ethical concerns around compulsory rehabilitation challenge the principle of patient autonomy. Informatics tools, such as patient portals, can empower users by allowing them more control over their treatment, aligning with a human rights-based approach. Third, resource allocation can be optimized through nursing informatics by using real-time data to monitor patient progress and distribute care resources efficiently, such as counseling or psychiatric services. However, limited resources in rehabilitation centers may hinder the full potential of these tools. 

Lastly, informatics facilitates collaboration between healthcare providers, enabling better coordination of services across various stakeholders, including medical, psychiatric, and social support teams. These factors highlight the potential of nursing informatics to improve the delivery of healthcare services for drug users by promoting patient-centered care, optimizing resources, and enhancing ethical treatment approaches.

Reference: Lasco, G., & Yarcia, L. E. (2022). The Politics of Drug Rehabilitation in the Philippines. Health and human rights, 24(1), 147–158.

As HIV continues to become a global health issue (WHO, 2024), Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) also continue to become a priority of healthcare. With nursing informatics, there are currently various tools that PLHIV can access for their treatment regime. For example, EHRs help document their information to track their history. Teleconsult services allow them to access remote consultations, and data analytics may help in analyzing current patterns that allows for better management of their care. However, these nursing informatics tools are influenced by various factors that influence the delivery of healthcare services to PLHIV.

Firstly, cultural stigma surrounding PLHIV prevents them from accessing healthcare services to avoid disclosing their status. This influences the use of EHRs and dana analytics that need their information in documenting pertinent information or generating patterns to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic (Turan et al., 2016).

Secondly, it’s saddening to know the reality that discrimination may also come from the healthcare providers that also influence the application of nursing informatics tools in the delivery of healthcare services, as they create an unpleasant environment for PLHIV to engage in care (Zarei et al. 2014).

Thirdly, the access to healthcare delivery services also influences the application of nursing informatics tools relying on patient information, as PLHIV may have a difficult time in knowing where to seek appropriate care. Fortunately, In the Philippines, there has been increasing progress in the treatment and prevention of HIV with the enacted lPhilippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 (Gangcuangco & Eustaquio, 2023).

With this, it is high time to further strengthen our advocacies towards the betterment of healthcare for PLHIV.

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References:

Gangcuangco, L. M. A., & Eustaquio, P. C. (2023). The state of the HIV epidemic in the Philippines: progress and challenges in 2023. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(5), 258. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8050258

Turan, B., Budhwani, H., Fazeli, P. L., Browning, W. R., Raper, J. L., Mugavero, M. J., & Turan, J. M. (2016). How Does Stigma Affect People Living with HIV? The Mediating Roles of Internalized and Anticipated HIV Stigma in the Effects of Perceived Community Stigma on Health and Psychosocial Outcomes. AIDS and Behavior, 21(1), 283–291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1451-5

World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, July 22). HIV and AIDS. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids

Zarei N, Joulaei H, Darabi E, Fararouei M. Stigmatized Attitude of Healthcare Providers: A Barrier for Delivering Health Services to HIV Positive Patients. Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2015 Oct;3(4):292-300. PMID: 26448956; PMCID: PMC4591575.

The importance of prenatal care and education has been emphasized repeatedly in our previous nursing courses involving maternal and child health. The health of both mother and child throughout and after the pregnancy is greatly affected by the attainment of quality prenatal care as it allows for monitoring of their health, provision of essential supplements for the baby’s development, and helps the mother identify signs and symptoms of possible complications indicating the need for consultation. Because of how vital it is for pregnant women to have access to prenatal care, nursing informatics should be properly utilized to accomplish improved availability amongst the community. 

Nursing informatics contributes to the creation of technologies that can improve accessibility to prenatal care services, which can in turn improve the adherence of pregnant women to necessary prenatal check-ups. However, a factor affecting the use of informatics in prenatal care could be the availability and accessibility of current technology marrying the two, especially in the Philippines. In some countries, there are developments being made towards creating applications for accessible maternity services (Dorst, Anders, Chennupati, Chen, & Purcell, 2019), displaying information such as test results, scheduling and making reminders for regular check-ups, and making contact with healthcare providers easier. Currently, there may not be many applications or websites available for easier access to prenatal care, but locally, many nurses do create online material such as videos and podcasts that involve prenatal care and vital information for pregnant women–so while there may still be some way to go to fully incorporate nursing informatics and technology with prenatal care, some steps have been made locally to make it happen. 

References

Dorst, M. T., Anders, S. H., Chennupati, S., Chen, Q., & Purcell Jackson, G. (2019). Health Information Technologies in the Support Systems of Pregnant Women and Their Caregivers: Mixed-Methods Study. Journal of medical Internet research, 21(5), e10865. https://doi.org/10.2196/10865

During the pandemic, telemedicine emerged as a groundbreaking approach to healthcare delivery. While highly beneficial, it presents limitations for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless individuals, and those with inadequate language skills (Haimi, 2023).

Digital literacy is a primary factor hindering the application of nursing informatics in healthcare services delivery. These vulnerable groups often lack the knowledge and skills to navigate telemedicine platforms and participate in virtual consultations, creating a digital divide. Additionally, language barriers can pose significant challenges, particularly in interpreting and communicating healthcare needs effectively.

Furthermore, access to reliable internet connectivity or signal service is essential for effective telecommunication. While healthcare providers did their best to adapt to the situation, training and education can better equip them to adopt new technologies and influence the implementation of nursing informatics.

Reference: 

Haimi, M. (2023). The tragic paradoxical effect of telemedicine on healthcare disparities- a time for redemption: a narrative review. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02194-4

I think one of the most important but often overlooked priority healthcare needs is mental health. In my opinion, I think that one of the main factors that influence the application of nursing informatics in the delivery of healthcare services to individuals with mental health problems is the constant need for patient engagement and monitoring.

There are many existing technological tools that contribute to easier and more efficient patient interaction and monitoring, which include the utilization of electronic health records (EHR), telehealth services, and mobile apps. EHRs provide real-time updates about a patient’s condition, which can help in monitoring mental health changes and possible treatment options. Additionally, these ensure that all members of the healthcare team have access to patient information, which promotes the collaboration of care. They can also help in tracking patient progress over time and identifying patterns that may indicate changes in mental health status. Moreover, telehealth services and mobile apps provide virtual consultations and support, which reduce barriers to accessing mental health services and allow patients to receive timely and continuous care (Alenezi & Alghamdi, 2022). 

While technology has many advantages, it is important to also consider another factor that influences the application of nursing informatics in mental health care, which is the balance of technology use with the human aspects of care. Nurses play a significant role in providing emotional support and understanding, which technology cannot fully replicate. Technology should serve as a form of support for human interaction, not a replacement. Effective mental health care requires a combination of technological tools and compassionate personal care.

References:

• Alenezi, A., & Alghamdi, A. A. (2022). Progress of Nursing Informatics for Mental Health Initiatives. 2022 Second International Conference on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (ICPS). https://doi.org/10.1109/icps55917.2022.00036

A priority healthcare need for individuals suffering from mental disorders would be efficient through nursing informatics with accessible mental health support. Some factors that influence the application of NI in delivering care to people with problems in mental health are the online health services availability, patient data security, and the access to electronic health records. Having the option to consult online is available to those individuals who may face stigma or have no physical access to services. The data privacy and the health records of the patients are also critical as these contain sensitive information, hence, safeguarding these aspects builds patient trust.

Among the healthcare needs of our community in Bulacan, the increasing number of stray dogs and cats necessitate the need for anti-rabies vaccination particularly in the age group of children. As such, the competencies of nursing informatics highly influence and somehow hinder the application of nursing informatics in the delivery of healthcare services. In a literature published by Darvish et al (2014), three competencies were identified including Computer Skills, Informatics Knowledge, and Informatics Skills. 

Meanwhile, four levels of nursing practice were also identified including the beginning nurse and the experienced nurse. With the onset of the pandemic, it is a common knowledge and a shared experience that most nurses struggle to transition into the digital data management especially experienced nurses who are mostly advanced in terms of age. In relation to this, the identified Computer Skills competencies such as the documentation of patient care as well as the use of telecommunication devices presents as a struggle in the application of nursing informatics in the delivery of healthcare services. 

Reference:

Darvish, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Keyhanian, S., & Navidhamidi, M. (2014b, June 25). The Role of Nursing Informatics on Promoting Quality of Health Care and the Need for Appropriate Education  . Global Journal of Health Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4825491/ 

In the Philippines, the effective management of noncommunicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus is significantly influenced by various factors related to nursing informatics. Firstly, access to and availability of technology play a crucial role, as reliable internet and digital health tools are essential for telehealth services and electronic medical records. In areas with limited technological infrastructure, these tools may be underutilized. Furthermore, training and education for both healthcare professionals and patients are critical; nurses must be literate in informatics systems, and patients need guidance on using health apps and monitoring devices. Data management is also pivotal, with the need for interoperability between systems to ensure seamless data integration and high-quality information. Cultural sensitivity and socioeconomic factors must be considered to make informatics tools relevant and accessible, overcoming barriers related to cost and digital literacy. Supportive health policies and adherence to regulations regarding data privacy and security further impact the successful implementation of informatics solutions. And lastly, patient engagement is enhanced by user-friendly tools, which help address technical challenges and promote effective disease management.

References:

• Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022). Informatics and data science perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a pathway to health equity. Nursing Outlook, 70(6), S77–S87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004
• Darvish, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Keyhanian, S., & Navidhamidi, M. (2014). The role of nursing informatics on promoting quality of health care and the need for appropriate education. Global Journal of Health Science, 6(6). https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v6n6p11
• Saputra, C., & Arif, Y. (2019). Nursing informatics system in health care delivery. KnE Life Sciences, 4(10), 38. https://doi.org/10.18502/kls.v4i10.3827

I chose pregnant women as my target group. I have this neighbor of mine who was recently pregnant and shared her experience with our barangay health center. She mentioned that during her third trimester, she had difficulty keeping up with timely consultations for her checkups because she was often left at home without anyone accompanying her, and she tended to forget them, opting instead to stay at home to rest. This is where the factors influencing the application of nursing informatics come into play - the accessibility and engagement of pregnant women in accessing the care they need. In a study made by Woldemariam and Jimma (2023), they emphasized the importance of having Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in improving the quality of healthcare services delivery such as in data management. Applying this in the context of not only the example I have given in my community but the pregnant women in general, the adoption of this EHRs system could possibly enhance the accessibility of healthcare services and engagement of pregnant women with their prenatal care needs as they can access their health records themselves and can even be reminded of their check up or consultation schedules through automated messages or directly from their healthcare providers leading to better adherence to care.

Reference

Woldemariam, M. T. & Jimma, W. (2023). Adoption of electronic health record systems to enhance the quality of healthcare in low-income countries: A systematic review. BMJ Health & Care Informatics, 30(e100704). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100704

Family planning is a critical healthcare priority in my community. The prevalence of teenage pregnancy and large families, coupled with the challenges of meeting daily needs, underscores the importance of addressing this issue. Despite the accessibility of technology, health education on family planning remains limited. While family planning methods are available in the local health center, community engagement in these initiatives is lacking.

Notably, the community members possess technological literacy, suggesting potential for leveraging technology to enhance health education efforts. While many of the factors needed for the application of nursing informatics are already available in my community, including internet access, healthcare infrastructure, and trained healthcare workers, the primary area that requires attention is community engagement.

It is essential to prioritize efforts to increase community involvement in family planning initiatives. By utilizing technology to reach a wider audience and fostering stronger community partnerships, we can effectively improve health outcomes and address the pressing issue of family planning in our community.