1st Edition
Empowering Nurses with Technology A Practical Guide to Nursing Informatics
Nursing informatics is the specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information management and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. It allows nurses to deliver evidence-based and patient-centered care, improve human health and advance medical research. It also enhances clinical workflows so that nurses and other personnel can care for patients more efficiently and effectively.
Some of the benefits of nursing informatics include a reduction in medical errors, lower costs, improved nurse productivity, and better care coordination among nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and others throughout various care stages. Empowering Nurses with Technology: A Practical Guide to Nurse Informatics is a comprehensive guidebook for nurses and healthcare professionals looking to understand the role of technology in modern nursing practices. This book covers the basics of healthcare technology, including electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and mobile health applications. This book offers practical advice for implementing technology in nursing workflows, as well as strategies for training and engaging nursing staff in the use of new technology. It also explores the impact of technology on patient care and outcomes, discussing topics such as patient safety, privacy, and data security.
This book provides a useful resource for nurses seeking to leverage technology to improve the quality and efficiency of their care, while also enhancing their professional development and job satisfaction.
Chapter 1: The basics of Nursing informatics Chapter 2: Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Chapter 3: Health Information Exchange (HIE) Chapter 4: Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) Chapter 5: Artificial Intelligence Chapter 6: Telehealth and Telemedicine Chapter 7: Mobile Health (mHealth) Chapter 8: Ethical and Legal Issues in Nurse Informatics Chapter 9: Training and Education in Nursing Informatics Chapter 10: Future of Nursing Informatics
Biography
Dr. Kathleen McGrow, who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore, serves as the Global Chief Nursing Information Officer at Microsoft. In her role, she guides organizations on how to apply innovative technologies to enhance clinical performance, patient experience, and transform care models. She is skilled in leveraging technology to address digital transformation needs, including workforce crisis, consumer and patient engagement, and cognitive computing for a learning health system.
With a wealth of clinical experience in trauma critical care, Dr. McGrow is an internationally recognized authority in the intersection of clinical care and technology. She has delivered numerous educational presentations to professional groups, including the International Congress of Nursing in Montreal, Canada.
Dr. McGrow has contributed to peer-reviewed journals, writing on topics such as the transformation of clinical data into wisdom through artificial intelligence (AI), and the broader impact of the rapid development of AI on healthcare delivery. Her most recent publication, “Foundation Models, Generative AI, and Large Language Models: Essentials for Nursing,” was featured in Computers Informatics Nursing in May 2024.
In addition to her role at Microsoft, Dr. McGrow co-chairs the HIMSS Nursing Innovation Advisory Committee and serves as an adjunct clinical instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. Her work continues to inspire and guide the nursing community in the digital age.
Nurses are not just the backbone of healthcare; they are the trailblazers in the 'ecosystem transformation' that AI-based informatics promises. Their hands-on patient care, both within and beyond the traditional healthcare system, is set to experience a paradigm shift akin to the Galileo-Copernicus revolution in science. As a physician leader, former CEO, and a thought leader in US Health Policy across three administrations, I am convinced that the integration of Large Language Models in healthcare, championed by nursing leadership, will mark a defining moment in medical history. 'Empowering Nurses with Technology' is a vital manual that equips nurses to spearhead this innovation, ensuring exemplary patient care and safety."
Dr. Jim Weinstein, VP, Microsoft
“Today, nursing informatics is at a critical inflexion point. Key technologies that once helped launch the specialty continue to evolve, yet at the same time, new innovations are rapidly gaining traction. Thus, the knowledge and expertise of nurse informaticists and other health IT professionals must rapidly evolve as well. The strategies outlined in this book are key to ensuring that new capabilities such as artificial intelligence and precision health are wisely implemented and carefully managed to realize the benefits and ensure that patient care is not compromised by their use. This book is an essential resource for equipping informatics experts and their partners as they guide the nursing workforce in understanding and embracing this exciting new evolution in technology.”
Joyce Sensmeier MS, RN-BC, FHIMSS, FAAN, Senior Advisor HIMSS (retired)
“Empowering Nursing with Technology: A Practical Guide to Nurse Informatics is a comprehensive and timely resource for nurses navigating the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape.
This 10-chapter book covers crucial topics in health informatics, from the fundamentals to cutting-edge applications. The text expertly explores electronic health records and their impact on clinical decision-making, providing nurses with practical insights for leveraging these tools effectively.
It delves into artificial intelligence and clinical decision support systems, equipping readers with knowledge to harness these technologies for improved patient care. Chapters on telehealth, telemedicine, and mobile health initiatives offer valuable guidance for nurses adapting to remote care delivery models. The book also addresses critical ethical and legal considerations in nursing informatics, ensuring readers are prepared to navigate complex issues in this digital age.
With its focus on training and education, this guide is an excellent resource for nursing students and practicing professionals seeking to enhance their informatics competencies.
By exploring the future of nursing informatics, the book prepares readers for upcoming technological advancements and their potential impact on healthcare delivery.
This practical guide is essential for nurses looking to thrive in the technology-driven healthcare environment, offering a perfect blend of foundational knowledge and forward-thinking insights.”
Marion J. Ball EdD, FLHIMSS, FCHIME, FAAN, FACMI
Executive Director of the Multi-Interprofessional Center for Health Informatics University of Texas, Arlington (retired)
"Healthcare is built on the foundations of collaborative communities. Working together allows us to deliver services and strive for better outcomes. In this book, Dr. Kathleen McGrow helps us understand how we can evolve as individuals and teams using the latest technology and harnessing the power of ever-increasing data. Writing from her own experiences as a clinician and long-time technology leader, the approach is uniquely practical whilst ensuring that patients are kept at the centre as this new field of informatics empowers us to do more. I highly recommend this book to both nurses looking to grow their own knowledge and those working alongside them who can sense the opportunity in health technology brings."
Dr Umang Patel, CCIO Microsoft & NHS Paediatrician
“Empowering Nurses with Technology: A Practical Guide to Nurse Informatics” is an indispensable resource for modern healthcare professionals. This comprehensive guide navigates the complexities of health information systems, providing clear insights into how seamless data sharing can enhance patient care and operational efficiency. One of the standout features of this book is its exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The author demystifies AI, highlighting its potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment plans, and patient monitoring. Additionally, the sections on telehealth and mHealth are particularly timely, offering practical advice on leveraging these technologies to expand access to care and enhance patient engagement. It empowers the nurse to engage with data at a deeper level. Overall, “Empowering Nurses with Technology” is a great read for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of nurse informatics.”
Barbara Van de Castle DNP, RN, NI-BC
Assistant Professor at University of Maryland School of Nursing
