Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 7: Advanced Technology and Information Systems

What is information technology (IT), and how is it used in the hospital setting?

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to gather, organize, process, and communicate information. In the hospital setting, IT provides tools for accurate and safe client care (computerized intravenous infusion pumps, patient-controlled analgesia machines, pulmonary function monitoring systems, blood gas analyzers, cardiac monitors, and intracranial pressure monitors), wireless communication systems, bedside computer terminals, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Biotechnical advances include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), electromyography, arthroscopies, the computerized microscope, and digital cameras.

What is the electronic health record?

The electronic health record (EHR) is a method of documentation in which all information related to the client is recorded electronically. EHRs are used for charting, recording results of tests, ordering medications, scheduling appointments, and individualizing discharge planning. The EMR may interface across a health care system, from the hospital to clinics, outpatient surgery facilities, home health care facilities, and long-term care facilities. By using care maps (sequential plans of care based on standards or guidelines developed by experts), health care providers can manage the care of chronically ill clients.

What are expert systems?

Expert systems (decision-making support systems) are systems that assist the nurse in making clinical decisions. Expert systems alert the nurse to abnormal diagnostic tests, medication incompatibilities, and overdue medications. They allow the nurse to generate a list of nursing diagnoses, modify a standard care plan, find appropriate clinical guidelines, plan client education programs, and plan for a client’s discharge.

What is the ethical issue when using computerized systems in health care?

The ethical issue concerning computerized systems is the possibility of breeching client confidentiality or invading client privacy.

How are client confidentiality and privacy assured in computer systems?

Privacy is assured by (1) using a firewall, a protective mechanism that establishes limited access into a computer system; (2) assigning passwords to authorized users; (3) backing up data and storing it in inaccessible locations; (4) physically placing computers in a secure area; (5) using closed-circuit television surveillance of computers; and (6) automatically recording when an activity occurs to discover the point of origin of altered, lost, or incorrectly used data.

How are computer applications used in home and community settings?

Nurses working in home and community settings access the EHR to prescribe treatment, schedule tests and appointments, and to record information related to a visit. They use care maps, access client records, plan care, e-mail and cellular phones, and expert systems. Additional technological programs used in the community include (1) telephone triage programs, in which nurses offer medical advice based on computerized databases that ensure that they provide standardized health information; (2) cardiac monitoring; (3) automated telephone monitoring systems to track client progress; (4) high risk pregnancy monitoring; and (5) emergency response systems for the elderly.

How do nurse managers, educators, and researchers use information technology?

Nurse managers use word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programs, e-mail, and other programs to monitor care, maintain personnel files, inventory supplies, make decisions, and plan activities within their departments. Nurse educators use computer-assisted instructional (CAI) programs, audio-visual presentations, distance learning, video conferencing, and visual learning laboratories to deliver educational material. Nurse researchers use computer applications to conduct literature searches, analyze data, and network with other researchers.

What are the four classifications included in the Unified Nursing Language System (UNLS)?

The four classifications are the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA), the Omaha Classification System (OCS), the Home Healthcare Classification (HHC), and the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC).