A Concept Analysis of Nursing Informatics

Although Nursing Informatics (NI) has been regularly viewed as an Information Technology function, it should be viewed as a strategic method for translating clinical information into usable knowledge and communicating that knowledge to the nursing profession. The definition and description for NI first appeared in the literature in 1980, and the definition has been evolving ever since. In 1994, NI was officially recognized as a sub-specialty of nursing by the American Nurses Association. As a sub-specialty, NI has a documented scope and standards of practice, yet very few nurses or healthcare executives understand exactly what NI is or what NI can do for their organization. A concept analysis was conducted to provide an understanding of the concept of NI as a discipline, and compare and contrast that understanding with NI as a job function or organizational role. Literature reviews were conducted to locate relevant content, and to provide historical information. Four knowledge domains were identified as fundamental attributes of NI: Nursing Science including the knowledge of nursing and quality improvement; Information Science, including the knowledge of information structure and processing; Computer Science, including the knowledge of technology and Cognitive Science, including the knowledge of learning and communication. Antecedent events or incidents that must be present for NI to be present were also defined, and a model case was presented. NI is a complex, wide-ranging concept that can positively impact the quality of patient care services provided by healthcare organizations. Domains that are impacted by the presence of NI in an organization include patient care, information management, research, information technology, collaboration and the entire Nursing practice. NI is a concept that can and has impacted most, if not all domains of patient care within healthcare organizations. Further work is needed both to expand the understanding of the concept of NI, and also to disseminate the understanding of NI to various healthcare organizations.