NR 706 Week 5 Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-706: Healthcare Informatics & Information Systems

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 5: Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice

Information technology (IT) has become a fundamental component of modern healthcare and advanced nursing practice. Tools such as electronic medical records (EMRs), telehealth systems, barcode medication administration, and digital documentation platforms have revolutionized patient care. These innovations enhance accuracy, reduce medical errors, and provide more streamlined care delivery. Research indicates that the integration of IT in nursing leads to improved patient outcomes, cost reduction, and enhanced safety standards (Bowles, Dykes, & Demiris, 2015).

In addition, IT facilitates better communication between healthcare professionals and patients by enabling real-time data sharing and coordination through EMRs. However, while these advantages are undeniable, scholars argue that technology can unintentionally compromise the nurse–patient relationship (Shih & Rosenblum, 2017). Nursing has always been rooted in compassion, empathy, and physical presence, which are essential to building trust and alleviating patient distress (Watson, 2006). Therefore, the ongoing challenge in advanced nursing practice lies in finding a balance between technological efficiency and preserving human connection.

The Role of Caring in Nursing Practice

Nursing practice has historically been centered on compassion, empathy, and relational care. Nurses often enter the profession with the goal of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives through emotional support and human connection. Acts of caring, such as offering a reassuring touch, maintaining eye contact, or greeting a patient warmly, are essential for trust-building and reducing stress.

However, the increasing use of EMRs and digital documentation can unintentionally reduce face-to-face interaction. In many clinical settings, nurses are seen entering patient rooms and immediately focusing on computer screens to document information rather than engaging with patients directly. While these digital tools are critical for care accuracy, they sometimes shift attention away from personal connections. When these subtle gestures of empathy are lost, patients may perceive healthcare interactions as impersonal or transactional.

Case Example: The Impact of Technology on Clinical Decision-Making

A personal experience highlights how technology can both support and complicate clinical decision-making. During a pediatric visit, my son’s bilirubin level results were reported as greater than 2.5 mg/dL, suggesting potential jaundice. Based on these results, the nurse practitioner initially recommended hospital admission for further evaluation.

I requested that a physical examination be conducted before proceeding. Upon reassessment, the practitioner noted that my son exhibited no visible symptoms of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or sclera. A repeat lab test later showed that the initial results were inaccurate. This case illustrates the importance of integrating technology with clinical judgment. Over-reliance on lab data without correlating with a patient’s physical presentation may lead to unnecessary interventions, heightened anxiety for families, and additional healthcare costs.

Benefits and Challenges of Information Technology in Nursing

The use of IT in advanced nursing practice offers multiple advantages but also raises several challenges. The following table summarizes these aspects:

NR 706 Week 5 Information System Contributions to Advanced Nursing Practice

Benefits of Information Technology	Challenges of Information Technology
Enhances patient safety by reducing errors through barcode scanning and EMRs	Risk of reducing personal interaction if technology takes precedence over patient care
Improves communication and care coordination via real-time data sharing	Can result in over-reliance on lab results instead of comprehensive assessments
Reduces healthcare costs through efficiency and streamlined processes	Increases time spent on screens, potentially decreasing bedside interaction
Provides evidence-based support for decision-making with immediate data access	May frustrate clinicians who are not proficient in advanced digital systems
Enables telehealth and remote patient monitoring for wider access to care	Raises concerns about patient confidentiality, data breaches, and ethical use of records

Balancing Technology and Caring in Advanced Nursing

Technology is now inseparable from nursing practice; however, its integration should complement—not replace—the essence of caring. Advanced practice nurses must actively maintain compassion and empathy alongside their use of EMRs, telehealth, and digital tools. Simple actions such as making eye contact, smiling, or acknowledging patients by name can preserve the human touch while delivering technologically enhanced care.

Ultimately, advanced nursing should focus on integration. Technology should serve as a supportive tool for clinical decision-making while preserving the interpersonal and empathetic foundations of the profession. Striking this balance ensures both efficiency and holistic, patient-centered care.

References

Bowles, K. H., Dykes, P., & Demiris, G. (2015). The use of health information technology to improve care and outcomes for older adults. Research in Gerontological Nursing, 8(1), 5–10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431690/

Shih, D., & Rosenblum, R. (2017). Attitudes and perceptions of advanced practice nurses towards health information technology and its effects on caring. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 21(3). https://www.himss.org/library/attitudes-and-perceptions-advanced-practice-nurses-towards-health-information-technology-and-its