QSEN - Informatics

QSEN: Informatics Technology encompasses almost every career field imaginable. We used laptops, cell phones, tablets, and flat screen TVs all day long. With the help of technology, we are able to view almost everything done from bank account information to medical records. In the world of healthcare, we use technology to view our medical records, chart patient information, scan medication barcodes, and view information associated to patient diagnosis. Informatics in nursing is described as the use of information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate errors, and support decision making (QStudent #5: Informatics, 2018). With the advances in technology in the medical filed we have been able to come up with equipment that can help in diagnosis things early and help in early detection of certain disease. Surgeries have become simpler to perform, are less invasive, and safer to the patient because of these advances which means that survival rates have increased and life expectancy is now even longer. While on the postpartum unit I was able to observe how technology has made it easier for nurses to chart, verify, and communicate effectively with providers and patients. The system they use makes the job easier for them and the rest of the healthcare professionals. EPIC has this cool feature where you are able to message back and forth with the provides or nurses to communicate important information instead of having to call around to find a provider. Also, I think it's great how no only do you type things up in the chart, but you are also able to put things such as IV location or bruise location on a picture of a human body which makes it easier for visual providers. EPIC has also a build in feature that helps with detecting /catching errors when something is incorrect. In the medical field it is important to be aware of errors because it can lead to patient injury or death. With more advances in technology the medical field will flourish and improve patient care.