Informatics in healthcare blends information and computer science with evidence-based practice in nursing. However, research reveals persistent failures in nursing education to maintain informatics competencies among graduates (Akpabio & Ella, 2015). Therefore, one of the most pressing directions in the future of informatics will be improving the delivery and standard of nurse education. Yet one of the greatest challenges to information dissemination in nursing informatics applications is the rapid pace at which technologies and processes change. To meet this challenge, researchers suggest embracing the three emerging trends in nursing informatics: the increased reliance upon automation at all levels of nursing practice, artificial intelligence, and also big data (Booth, 2016). Whereas informatics in healthcare formerly referred to more straightforward methods of data collection, organization, and communication, current applications of information technology in nursing interfaces more readily with other technologies used to improve efficiency and quality of care. Areas of priority for the advancement of informatics in nursing should include innovation and planned change, as well as expanding the form and function of informatics systems.

Regarding the healthcare solutions specifically, current directions are promising in terms of improving the outlook for overall nursing competencies in technological literacy and also offering more robust and reliable services to clients. As healthcare services become more integrated and team based, requiring collaboration between multiple stakeholders, I foresee telehealth and other remote services becoming far more common and effective in the future. As a future healthcare leader, I would suggest planning for improved integration of electronic health records across multiple platforms to reduce the potential for medical errors at all stages of care delivery. I would also suggest improving the use of technology within the healthcare environment for training and communications purposes.

References

Akpabio, I.I. & Ella, R.E. (2015). Nursing informatics preparedness of graduate nurses in Calabar, Nigeria. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education 2(9): 159-168.

Booth, R.G. (2016). Informatics and nursing in a post-nursing informatics world. Nursing Leadership 28(4): 61-69.