Background: Traditionally, nurses have been recipients of data, more recently users of data, but the new family-focused nursing curriculum is designed to help students become innovators through data. Faculty have collaborated to draw on key aspects of both family-focused nursing and information technology to create health informatics curriculum that moves nursing beyond traditional limits. Students in the program will be equipped to help shape the future rather than simply meeting existing demands.
Conceptual Framework: Fink’s Significant Learning Experience Framework based in educational theory.
Method: The development process used to create this program took advantage of the benefits found in collaboration. A partnership between School of Nursing and Computer Information Science faculty was formed in a way to draw the best from both disciplines. An advisory board provided key, external insights into essential learning outcomes. Proactive communication and skills in shepherding a new program through the internal approval process resulted in an unusually rapid pace of development for a new program.
Results: We have developed a program for the emerging discipline of Health Informatics and Analytics that will prepare visionary leaders who will be capable of influencing global health outcomes through data analysis, knowledge discovery, and dissemination of cutting edge innovations. Graduates who are knowledgeable in both family-focused nursing and health informatics are well poised for dynamic careers of the future.
Conclusions: The intentional strategy of blending health informatics and family nursing science will empower nurses to lead interprofessional healthcare teams through data-informed decision making and changes that enhance societal health outcomes. Research findings suggest this paradigm has potential to improve health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities.