The essential data within healthcare systems is the patient’s medical records. In context, this data paves the future for Nursing Informatics Specialists who may function within the scope of virtual care delivery. They could “be informed by data aggregated from a multiplicity of sources and real-time knowledge generation that will inform individualized care” (Nagle et al., 2017, p. 220). In the scenario where a patient may require visiting a new hospital for the first time, such data can be essential for smooth diagnostics and progression of the treatment. For example, if the patient is suspected of having prostate cancer and needs to undergo a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, it would be beneficial for doctors to know diagnostic details prior to the test. The serving doctor is obliged to do so for further progression of treatment and better comprehension of the current situation because it would reveal other infections that could affect the PSA test. The medical records, in this case, are lab tests, history of illnesses, and electronic health records. This data determines if the diagnoses would be made effectively and accordingly and can be quickly sent online given that the information library established within the healthcare that regards patient care management.
However, the knowledge provided by such data could be critical in any situation. The information about the patient’s prior hospital may be comprised of the patient’s health characteristics and conditions such as blood type, weight, age, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Moreover, doctors will be able to immediately receive detailed methods of treatment established prior to the acceptance of the new patient. It will reduce the time spent on looking for physical evidence or questioning the patient about such conditions. This approach would result in enhanced medical service and experience for the patient. As a result of this experience, the participating nursing informatics specialist will be able to acquaint themselves with the patient’s condition by gathering and evaluating information before making any treatment decisions. Through the information gained, the clinician will rely on clinical reasoning and judgment to construct more efficient treatment plans.
Reference
Nagle, L. M., Sermeus, W., Junger, A., & Bloomberg, L. S. (2017). Evolving role of the nursing informatics specialist. Stud Health Technol Inform, 232, 212-22.