Module 1 assignment

Why do you as a graduate level nurse need to know about informaiton management?

As a doctorate level NP, information management is essential to the care of our patients. Module one introduces us to the importance of using information systems/technology to support and improve patient care and healthcare systems and provide leadership within healthcare systems and/or academic setings (AACN, 2006 page 12-13). As providers, we must be able to quickly access information, link that information to our patients needs and maintain organization of that information. In our work as healthcare professionals, we are confronted with computers and many computer applications on a daily basis. This technology provides us with the tools for acquisition, preparation and distribution of medical data and knowledge (Imhoff et al, 2001).

With each patient encounter, I access information such as medication lists, allergy lists, trends in vital signs and weight, lab reports and results of tests and imaging. I am also able to access the clinical notes of other providers, hospital encounters, referrals and message logs. This is so important to coordinate care of each patient. Many of my patients have complex medical histories and it is imperative that all of the patients providers have access to the same information and be able to access it quickly.

Entering information related to each encounter of each patient can be a long process at times. However, this information charting is essential in maintaining organization and continuity of care.

AACN. (2006) Essential #4. The Essentials of Doctoral Eduction for Advanced Nursing Practice, page 12-13.

Imhoff, M.A., Webb, A., & Goldschmidt, A. (2001). Health Informatics. Intensive Care Med, 27, 179-186.