Name
Chamberlain University
NR-706: Healthcare Informatics & Information Systems
Prof. Name
Datea
Information technology (IT) has become a foundational element in advanced nursing practice. With the integration of electronic medical records (EMRs), telehealth platforms, barcode medication administration systems, and sophisticated documentation tools, the nursing profession has seen a dramatic transformation in care delivery. These innovations enhance accuracy, safety, and efficiency, while simultaneously supporting evidence-based decision-making. Research highlights that IT integration contributes to improved clinical outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and heightened patient safety (Bowles, Dykes, & Demiris, 2015).
Equally important, IT has streamlined communication across multidisciplinary teams, enabling faster and more accurate information sharing. EMRs allow for seamless coordination, ensuring continuity of care across settings. However, alongside these benefits, there are persistent concerns about potential drawbacks—particularly the risk of weakening the nurse–patient bond. Nursing is a profession deeply rooted in compassion, presence, and empathy, and excessive focus on technology can inadvertently compromise these humanistic elements (Shih & Rosenblum, 2017). Thus, balancing technological adoption with relational care remains a central challenge in modern practice.
Nursing, historically and philosophically, is grounded in caring, empathy, and human connection. Many nurses choose the profession to support patients during vulnerable times, providing not only clinical expertise but also emotional reassurance. Small caring gestures—such as eye contact, a comforting touch, or even a welcoming smile—help establish trust, reduce anxiety, and foster healing.
However, with the expansion of EMR documentation and the frequent reliance on digital devices, some aspects of caring risk being overshadowed. For instance, during clinical encounters, nurses may prioritize charting over initial patient engagement. Instead of greeting patients personally, some may immediately log into computers, unintentionally giving the impression of detachment. Over time, these patterns could make healthcare interactions feel transactional rather than relational. To preserve the integrity of nursing practice, advanced practitioners must consciously maintain caring behaviors alongside technology use.
The dual role of technology—both beneficial and potentially misleading—is illustrated in a personal clinical encounter. When my son’s pediatric nurse practitioner reviewed his bilirubin levels, the laboratory values indicated an elevation above 2.5 mg/dL. Based solely on this data, the practitioner recommended hospital admission, despite the absence of clinical symptoms such as jaundice.
After I suggested a physical reassessment, the practitioner reevaluated and determined that the clinical picture did not align with the laboratory report. A repeat test later confirmed normal bilirubin levels. This experience demonstrates the risk of over-reliance on technology without integrating physical assessment and clinical reasoning. Blind adherence to data may lead to unnecessary interventions, anxiety for families, and higher healthcare costs. The lesson here is clear: technology should support, not replace, clinical judgment.
The incorporation of IT into advanced nursing practice brings numerous advantages but also introduces complexities. Below is a structured comparison:
| Benefits of Information Technology | Challenges of Information Technology |
|---|---|
| Enhances patient safety by reducing errors through barcode scanning and EMRs | Risk of depersonalizing care if technology overshadows nurse–patient interaction |
| Improves efficiency in communication and interdisciplinary data sharing | Potential over-reliance on lab results over physical assessments |
| Reduces healthcare costs by streamlining workflows and avoiding duplication of services | Increases screen time, reducing meaningful patient engagement |
| Provides real-time data access to support evidence-based practice | Creates frustration among nurses with limited digital literacy or inadequate training |
| Expands access to care through telehealth and remote monitoring | Raises concerns about privacy breaches and ethical use of patient data |
| Facilitates population health management through predictive analytics | May contribute to burnout due to increased documentation demands |
The future of advanced nursing practice lies not in choosing between technology and caring, but in finding equilibrium. Nurse practitioners must strive to integrate digital efficiency with compassionate human interaction. For example, while documenting in EMRs, practitioners can maintain eye contact and engage patients in conversation, ensuring that technology does not diminish interpersonal care.
Telehealth visits can also incorporate warmth and empathy through verbal reassurance, tone, and patient-centered communication strategies. By prioritizing gestures such as active listening, reassurance, and shared decision-making, nurses can bridge the gap between high-tech and high-touch care.
Ultimately, technology should be seen as a tool that supports the caring essence of nursing, rather than replacing it. Advanced practice nurses must continue to advocate for balanced integration, where innovations in IT strengthen care delivery while preserving the compassionate foundation of the profession.
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
Watson, J. (2006). Nursing caring and sharing. American Nurse Today, 1(3). https://www.americannursetoday.com/nurses-caring-and-sharing/=
