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NURS-FPX-4040 – Managing Health Information and Technology: Advancing Nursing Practice Through Data and Innovation
Guide > NURS-FPX-4040 > NURS-FPX-4040 – Managing Health Information and Technology | Owlisdom Guide

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NURS-FPX-4040 – Managing Health Information and Technology: Advancing Nursing Practice Through Data and Innovation

Published: 2025-10-10

Modified: 2025-10-10

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Introduction

NURS-FPX-4040 – Managing Health Information and Technology focuses on the role of informatics and digital systems in enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. Students learn to analyze, manage, and apply health data effectively in clinical settings. For expert support with informatics or technology-based nursing assignments, visit Owlisdom’s Nursing Coursework Help.

NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment One: Nursing Informatics in Health Care

Instructions for NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment One

Nursing Informatics in Health Care

This course has been completed, and no further assessments may be submitted.

Write a 4–5 page evidence-based proposal to support the need for a nurse informaticist in an organization who would focus on improving health care outcomes.

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Introduction

Nurses at the baccalaureate level in all practice areas are involved in nursing informatics through interaction with information management and patient care technologies. Nurses must not only demonstrate knowledge of and skills in health information and patient care technologies, but also how to use these tools at the bedside and organizational levels. Moreover, nurses need to recognize how information gathered from various health information sources can impact decision-making at the national and state regulatory levels.

Preparation

As you begin to prepare this assessment, you are encouraged to complete the Team Perspectives of the Nurse Informaticist activity. Completion of this will help you succeed with the assessment as you explore the nurse informaticist’s role from the different perspectives of the health care team. Completing activities is also a way to demonstrate engagement.

To successfully prepare for this assessment, you will need to complete these preparatory activities:

  • Review assessment resources and activities.
  • Consult the BSN Program Library Research Guide for help in identifying scholarly and authoritative sources.
  • Interview peers in your network who are considered information technology experts.
    • Ask them about how information technology advances are impacting patient care at the bedside, at the organizational level, and beyond.

Scenario

For this assessment, assume you are a nurse attending a meeting of your state’s nurses association. A nurse informaticist conducted a presentation on her role and its impact on positive patient and organizational outcomes in her workplace. You realize that your organization is undergoing many technological changes. You believe this type of role could provide many benefits to your organization.

You decide to pursue proposing a nurse informaticist role in your organization. You speak to your chief nursing officer (CNO) and human resources (HR) manager, who ask you to prepare a 4–5 page evidence-based proposal to support the new role. In this way, they can make an informed decision as to whether the addition of such a role could justify the return on investment (ROI). They need your proposal before an upcoming fiscal meeting. This is not an essay; instead, it is a proposal to create a new Nurse Informaticist position.

One important part of this assessment is the justification of the need for a nurse informaticist in a health care organization and references from relevant and timely scholarly or professional resources to support the justification for creating this nurse informaticist position. The term justify means to show or prove that the nurse informaticist position brings value to the organization. This justification must include evidence from the literature to support that this position will provide a return on investment for the organization.

Proposal Format

The chief nursing officer (CNO) and human resources (HR) manager have asked you to include the headings below in your proposal and to be sure to address the bullets following each heading. Remember that you will emphasize the focus of the new nurse informaticist position as described in the Assessment 01 Supplement: Nursing Informatics in Health Care [PDF] Download Assessment 01 Supplement: Nursing Informatics in Health Care [PDF]resource.

Nursing Informatics and the Nurse Informaticist

  • What is nursing informatics?
  • What is the role of the nurse informaticist?

Nurse Informaticists and Other Health Care Organizations

  • What is the experience of other health care organizations with nurse informaticists?
  • How do these nurse informaticists interact with the rest of the nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team?

Impact of Full Nurse Engagement in Health Care Technology

  • How does fully engaging nurses in health care technology impact:
    • Patient care?
    • Protected health information (security, privacy, and confidentiality)?
      • In this section, you will explain evidence-based strategies that the nurse informaticist and interdisciplinary team can use to effectively manage patients’ protected health information, particularly privacy, security, and confidentiality. Evidence-based means that they are supported by evidence from scholarly sources.
    • Workflow?
    • Costs and return on investment?

Opportunities and Challenges

  • What are the opportunities and challenges for nurses and the interdisciplinary team with the addition of a nurse informaticist role?
    • How can the interdisciplinary team collaborate to improve quality care outcomes through technology?

Summary of Recommendations

  • What are 3–4 key takeaways from your proposal about the recommended nurse informaticist role that you want the CNO and the HR manager to remember?
    • This is the section where the justification for the implementation of the nursing informaticist role is addressed. Remember to include evidence from the literature to support your recommendation.

Additional Requirements

  • Written communication: Ensure written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • Submission length: 4–5 double-spaced pages, in addition to title and references pages.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.
  • Citations and References: Cite a minimum of three current scholarly and/or authoritative sources to support your ideas. In addition, cite a minimum of one current professional blog or website to support your central ideas. Current means no more than five years old.
  • APA formatting: Be sure to follow APA formatting and style guidelines for citations and references. For an APA refresher, consult the Evidence and APA page on Campus.

Competencies Measured

By completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Describe nurses’ and the interdisciplinary team’s role in informatics with a focus on electronic health information and patient care technology to support decision making.
    • Define nursing informatics and the role of the nurse informaticist.
    • Explain how the nurse collaborates with the interdisciplinary team, including technologists, to improve the quality of patient care.
    • Justify the need for a nurse informaticist in a health care organization.
  • Competency 2: Implement evidence-based strategies to effectively manage protected health information.
    • Explain evidence-based strategies that the nurse and interdisciplinary team can use to effectively manage patients' protected health information (privacy, security, and confidentiality).
  • Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly communication to facilitate the use of health information and patient care technologies.
    • Follow APA style and formatting guidelines for citations and references.
    • Create a clear, well-organized, and professional proposal that is generally free from errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Resources

This course has been completed, and no further assessments may be submitted.

Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.

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History of Information Technology in Nursing

How Information Technology Is Changing Health Care

Health Care and Nursing Informatics Professional Resources

The following health care and nursing informatics websites provide resources, education, and networking opportunities for nursing informatics professionals:

Activity

This course has been completed, and no further assessments may be submitted.

Complete this activity to explore the nurse informaticist role from the different perspectives of the health care team.

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Introduction to NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment One: Nursing Informatics in Health Care

This How-To NURS 4040 Owlisdom Guide provides you with a comprehensive approach to creating an evidence-based proposal to advocate for the implementation of a nurse informaticist role within a healthcare organization. The NURS-FPX 4040 ASSESSMENT ONE: Nursing Informatics in Health Care aims to highlight the significance of this role in enhancing healthcare outcomes and ensuring a positive return on investment.

What is nursing informatics? What is the role of the nurse informaticist?

Nursing Informatics 

To start the NURS-FPX 4040 ASSESSMENT ONE: Nursing Informatics in Health Care, we will explore nursing informatics.

  • Nursing informatics integrates nursing science with information and communication technologies to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. 
  • Optimizing information management and communication aims to improve the health of populations, communities, families, and individuals.
  • A nurse informaticist leverages technology to enhance patient care and clinical workflows. 
  • Responsibilities include data management, system design and implementation, training and support for nursing staff, and ensuring the accuracy and security of health information.
Example 

The integration of technology and informatics in nursing practice has become crucial in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Nursing informatics involves incorporating information technology into nursing practice, management, and education. This integration enhances patient care by improving efficiency, communication, and the quality of services provided, leading to better outcomes (Al Najjar & Shafie, 2022). The role of the nurse informaticist is vital at the intersection of healthcare and technology, as it focuses on achieving the best possible patient outcomes through effective communication. This proposal aims to emphasize the importance of establishing nurse informaticists within healthcare organizations by detailing their responsibilities, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and measures to protect patients’ private information.

Nurse Informaticists and Other Health Care Organizations. What is the experience of other healthcare organizations with nurse informaticists? How do these nurse informaticists interact with the rest of the nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team?

Nurse Informaticists and Other Health Care Organizations

Next, we will discuss the interaction of nurse informatics with other healthcare organizations.

  • Research the success stories and challenges faced by other organizations that have implemented nurse informaticists. This can provide a benchmark and offer insights into best practices and potential pitfalls.
  • Nurse informaticists collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless integration of technology in patient care. They work closely with IT professionals, clinicians, and administrative staff to align technological solutions with clinical needs.
Example

Nurse Informaticists and Other Health Care Organizations

Nursing informatics merges nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage data and information transfer within nursing practice (Kolla et al., 2021). Informatics nurses play a crucial role in leveraging technology to enhance all healthcare areas. Their responsibilities include implementing and optimizing electronic health records (EHRs) and evaluating health information systems that support nursing practice, education, research, and administration. By integrating existing data and evidence, nurse informaticists ensure the provision of quality, effective, and patient-centered care.

Additionally, nurse informaticists are pivotal in promoting patient safety and minimizing medication errors, a significant concern in healthcare. Nursing informatics is essential in mitigating medical errors through the use of decision support systems and improved documentation processes. Utilizing advanced analytics and evidence-based best practices, nurse informaticists detect patterns that could lead to errors and take proactive measures to prevent them. This strategy not only enhances the safety and quality of healthcare delivery but also fosters continuous improvement and learning. With their unique combination of clinical expertise and technological skills, nurse informaticists are instrumental in driving innovations that protect patient health and optimize treatment outcomes (Kolla et al., 2021).

Impact of Full Nurse Engagement in Health Care Technology: How does fully engaging nurses in health care technology impact Patient care? Protected health information (security, privacy, and confidentiality)? In this section, you will explain evidence-based strategies that the nurse informaticist and interdisciplinary team can use to effectively manage patients’ protected health information, particularly privacy, security, and confidentiality. Evidence-based means that they are supported by evidence from scholarly sources.Workflow? Costs and return on investment?

Impact of Full Nurse Engagement in Health Care Technology

For this section, we will discuss the impact of full nurse engagement in healthcare technology.

  • Fully engaging nurses in technology enhances patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate information, reducing errors, and improving coordination of care.
  • Explain strategies for managing privacy, security, and confidentiality of health information. Use evidence from scholarly sources to support practices like data encryption, access controls, and regular audits.
  • Technology can streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and free up more time for patient care. Discuss specific examples where technology has improved efficiency in healthcare settings.
  • Highlight the cost benefits of employing a nurse informaticist, such as improved resource utilization, reduced readmission rates, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Use data from similar implementations to justify the ROI.
Example

The nurse informaticist is a vital member of the multidisciplinary team, ensuring technology solutions integrate seamlessly to enhance the quality of patient care. Collaborating with technologists, clinicians, and administrative staff, they play a key role in identifying, developing, and implementing informatics solutions that improve medical care and achieve better outcomes (Park & Jeong, 2021). Through effective communication channels, such as patient portals and mobile health apps, nurse informaticists maximize the use of health informatics tools, improving patient adherence to treatment plans and reducing hospital readmissions.

Furthermore, the role of a nurse informaticist goes beyond implementing technological solutions; it involves critical data analysis to inform decision-making and policy development within healthcare organizations. By adopting an evidence-based approach, nurse informaticists utilize clinical nursing information systems, medical diagnostic systems, and decision support systems to collect and analyze patient information, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care (Park & Jeong, 2021). These analytical skills enable nurse informaticists to provide valuable insights into patient care patterns, outcomes, and areas for improvement, fostering a data-driven culture in healthcare settings. With their expertise, health informatics professionals not only improve daily care quality but also assist in formulating strategic plans and continuous quality improvement programs for healthcare institutions.

What are the opportunities and challenges for nurses and the interdisciplinary team with the addition of a nurse informaticist role? How can the interdisciplinary team collaborate to improve quality care outcomes through technology?

Opportunities and Challenges

Now, we will explore the opportunities and challenges for nurses and the interdisciplinary teams in healthcare.

  • Identify the potential benefits, such as professional development, enhanced patient care, and better interdepartmental communication.
  • Discuss possible challenges, such as resistance to change, training needs, and initial costs. Propose strategies to mitigate these challenges, such as ongoing education and support.
  • Detail how an interdisciplinary team can leverage technology to enhance patient outcomes. Provide examples of successful collaborations.
Example

Opportunities and Challenges

The increasing complexity and diversity of modern healthcare necessitate the expertise of nurse informaticists in healthcare facilities. Their role in managing electronic health records (EHRs), decision support systems, and patient information systems is critical for enhancing the quality of patient care (Al Najjar & Shafie, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of health informatics in managing public health emergencies, highlighting the need for nurse informaticists to facilitate rapid, evidence-based responses to health crises. Nurse informaticists’ ability to translate clinical requirements into informatics solutions makes them indispensable in healthcare settings.

Nurse informaticists play a key role in implementing effective communication strategies between healthcare providers and patients, which is crucial for improving health outcomes (Park & Jeong, 2021). Their contributions extend beyond clinical settings to include community health workers (CHWs) in healthcare teams through health informatics integration. Health informatics tools, such as EHRs and cloud-based services, are instrumental in documenting patient progress and enabling CHWs to share essential health information with providers, thereby enhancing care coordination and patient outcomes. This capability to eliminate communication barriers among healthcare team members and between doctors and patients underscores the significance of nurse informaticists in modern healthcare. They not only manage technology and data but also improve the quality of care through the seamless flow of information.

What are 3 to 4 key takeaways from your proposal about the recommended nurse informaticist role that you want the CNO and the HR manager to remember? This is the section where the justification for the implementation of the nursing informaticist role is addressed. Remember to include evidence from the literature to support your recommendation.

Summary of Recommendations of NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment One: Nursing Informatics in Health Care

At the end of the NURS-FPX 4040 ASSESSMENT ONE: Nursing Informatics in Health Care, we will summarize the key takeaways and provide recommendations.

  • Summarize the critical points of the proposal, emphasizing the benefits of the nurse informaticist role and the evidence supporting its implementation.
  • Reiterate the necessity of the nurse informaticist, backed by literature that demonstrates improved patient outcomes and organizational efficiency.
Example

Recommendations

Nurse informaticists and interdisciplinary teams must collaborate to implement evidence-based methods for protecting patient privacy. Ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality involves adhering to healthcare regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Key components of this strategy include implementing strict electronic controls, regularly training staff members on privacy practices, and using encryption to transmit patient data. Nurse informaticists play a crucial role in creating systems that ethically manage health information, thereby increasing patient confidence.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by nurse informaticists is vital for the secure and efficient management of protected health information (Kolla et al., 2021). EHRs provide a consolidated platform for accessing and updating patient data, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring continuity of care. The use of EHRs and other digital health technologies enhances the accuracy of patient data and adherence to care standards, which are essential for protecting patient privacy (Al Najjar & Shafie, 2022). By regularly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these systems, nurse informaticists ensure that the organization’s IT resources comply with privacy and security regulations. This approach reinforces the integrity of patient information and strengthens the trust between patients and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Integrating nursing informatics into healthcare services is essential in the digital age. The nurse informaticist role is crucial for leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes through enhanced communication, efficient processes, and secure management of patient information. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for this position will increase, making it imperative for organizations to adopt the nurse informaticist role. Evidence from scholarly sources underscores the significant impact nurse informaticists can have on patient care, presenting a compelling case for their inclusion in healthcare teams to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by health informatics effectively.

Demonstration of Proficiency

  • Competency 1 Role in Informatics: Define nursing informatics and the role of the nurse informaticist. Explain how nurses collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care quality.
  • Competency 2 Managing Protected Health Information: Outline evidence-based strategies for managing patient information securely and confidentially.
  • Competency 5 Scholarly Communication: Ensure the proposal follows APA guidelines and is well-organized, clear, and free from errors.

Closing

By following this How-to NURS-FPX 4040 Guide, students will be able to create a compelling and evidence-based proposal advocating for the role of a nurse informaticist. The key takeaways emphasize the value and impact of this position on improving patient care and organizational efficiency. The NURS-FPX 4040 ASSESSMENT ONE: Nursing Informatics in Health Care not only enhances understanding of nursing informatics but also develops skills in professional communication and evidence-based practice. The upcoming Assessment Two of NURS 4040 will explore the Protected Health Information (PHI): Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality Best Practices.

References

Al Najjar, R. I., & Shafie, Z. M. (2022). Impact of Nursing Informatics on the Quality of Patient Care. International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research Studies, 2(5), 418–421.

Kolla, A., Lim, S., Zanowiak, J., & Islam, N. (2021). The role of health informatics in facilitating communication strategies for community health workers in clinical settings: A scoping review. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 27(3), E107–E118.

Park, H.-K., & Jeong, Y.-W. (2021). Impact of Nursing Professionalism on Perception of Patient Privacy Protection

 In Nursing Students: Mediating Effect of Nursing Informatics Competency. Healthcare, 9(10), Article 10.

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9101364

NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 2: Protected Health Information (PHI)

Instructions for NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 2

Protected Health Information (PHI)

This course has been completed, and no further assessments may be submitted.

Prepare a 2-page interprofessional staff update on HIPAA and appropriate social media use in health care.

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Introduction

Health care providers today must develop their skills in mitigating risks to their patients and themselves related to patient information. At the same time, they need to be able to distinguish between effective and ineffective uses of social media in health care.

This assessment will require you to develop a staff update for an interprofessional team to encourage team members to protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient information.

Professional Context

Health professionals today are increasingly accountable for the use of protected health information (PHI). Various government and regulatory agencies promote and support privacy and security through a variety of activities. Examples include:

  • Meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR).
  • Provision of EHR incentive programs through Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules.
  • Release of educational resources and tools to help providers and hospitals address privacy, security, and confidentiality risks in their practices.

Technological advances, such as the use of social media platforms and applications for patient progress tracking and communication, have provided more access to health information and improved communication between care providers and patients.

At the same time, advances such as these have resulted in more risk for protecting PHI. Nurses typically receive annual training on protecting patient information in their everyday practice. This training usually emphasizes privacy, security, and confidentiality best practices, such as:

  • Keeping passwords secure.
  • Logging out of public computers.
  • Sharing patient information only with those directly providing care or who have been granted permission to receive this information.

Today, one of the major risks associated with privacy and confidentiality of patient identity and data relates to social media. Many nurses and other health care providers place themselves at risk when they use social media or other electronic communication systems inappropriately. For example, a Texas nurse was recently terminated for posting patient vaccination information on Facebook. In another case, a New York nurse was terminated for posting an insensitive emergency department photo on her Instagram account.

Preparation

As you begin to consider the assessment, it would be an excellent choice to complete the Breach of Protected Health Information (PHI) activity. The activity will support your success with the assessment by creating the opportunity for you to test your knowledge of potential privacy, security, and confidentiality violations of protected health information. The activity is not graded and counts towards course engagement.

To successfully prepare to complete this assessment, complete the following:

  • Review the settings presented in the Assessment 02 Supplement: Protected Health Information [PDF]. Download Assessment 02 Supplement: Protected Health Information [PDF]resource and select one to use as the focus for this assessment.
  • Review the infographics on protecting PHI provided in the resources for this assessment, or find other infographics to review. These infographics serve as examples of how to succinctly summarize evidence-based information.
    • Analyze these infographics and distill them into five or six principles of what makes them effective. As you design your interprofessional staff update, apply these principles. Note: In a staff update, you will not have all the images and graphics that an infographic might contain. Instead, focus your analysis on what makes the messaging effective.
  • Select from any of the following options, or a combination of options, as the focus of your interprofessional staff update:
    • Social media best practices.
    • What not to do: social media.
    • Social media risks to patient information.
    • Steps to take if a breach occurs.
  • Conduct independent research on the topic you have selected in addition to reviewing the suggested resources for this assessment. This information will serve as the source(s) of the information contained in your interprofessional staff update. Consult the BSN Program Library Research Guide for help in identifying scholarly and/or authoritative sources.

Scenario

In this assessment, imagine you are a nurse in one of the health care settings described in the following resource:

Before your shift begins, you scroll through Facebook and notice that a coworker has posted a photo of herself and a patient on Facebook and described how happy she is that her patient is making great progress. You have recently completed your annual continuing education requirements at work and realize this is a breach of your organization’s social media policy. Your organization requires employees to immediately report such breaches to the privacy officer to ensure the post is removed immediately and that the nurse responsible receives appropriate corrective action.

You follow appropriate organizational protocols and report the breach to the privacy officer. The privacy officer takes swift action to remove the post. Due to the severity of the breach, the organization terminates the nurse.

Based on this incident’s severity, your organization has established a task force with two main goals:

  • Educate staff on HIPAA and appropriate social media use in health care.
  • Prevent confidentiality, security, and privacy breaches.

The task force has been charged with creating a series of interprofessional staff updates on the following topics:

  • Social media best practices.
  • What not to do: Social media.
  • Social media risks to patient information.
  • Steps to take if a breach occurs.

Instructions

First, select one of the health care settings described in the following resource:

As a nurse in this setting, you are asked to create the content for a staff update containing a maximum of two content pages that address one or more of these topics:

  • Social media best practices.
  • What not to do: social media.
  • Social media risks to patient information.
  • Steps to take if a breach occurs.

In 4040 Assessment 2, this assessment is not a traditional essay. It is a staff educational update about PHI. Consider creating a flyer, pamphlet, or one PowerPoint slide (not an entire presentation). Remember it should not be more than two pages (excluding a title and a reference page). 

The task force has asked team members assigned to the topics to include the following content in their updates in addition to content on their selected topics:

  • What is protected health information (PHI)?
    • Be sure to include essential HIPAA information.
  • What are privacy, security, and confidentiality?
    • Define and provide examples of privacy, security, and confidentiality concerns related to the use of technology in health care.
    • Explain the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to safeguard sensitive electronic health information.
  • What evidence relating to social media usage and PHI do interprofessional team members need to be aware of? For example:
    • What are some examples of nurses being terminated for inappropriate social media use in the United States?
    • What types of sanctions have health care organizations imposed on interdisciplinary team members who have violated social media policies?
    • What have been the financial penalties assessed against health care organizations for inappropriate social media use?
    • What evidence-based strategies have health care organizations employed to prevent or reduce confidentiality, privacy, and security breaches, particularly related to social media usage?

Notes

  • Your staff update is limited to two double-spaced content pages. Be selective about the content you choose to include in your update so you can meet the page length requirement. Include need-to-know information. Omit nice-to-know information.
  • Many times, people do not read staff updates, do not read them carefully, or do not read them to the end. Ensure your staff update piques staff members’ interest, highlights key points, and is easy to read. Avoid overcrowding the update with too much content.
  • Also, supply a separate reference page that includes two or three peer-reviewed and one or two non-peer-reviewed resources (for a total of 3–5 resources) to support the staff update content.

Additional Requirements

  • Written communication: Ensure the staff update is free from errors that detract from the overall message.
  • Submission length: Maximum of two double-spaced content pages.
  • Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12-point.
  • Citations and references: Provide a separate reference page that includes 2–3 current, peer-reviewed, and 1–2 current, non-peer-reviewed in-text citations and references (total of 3–5 resources) that support the staff update’s content. Current means no older than 5 years.
  • APA format: Be sure your citations and references adhere to APA format. Consult the Evidence and APA page for an APA refresher.

Competencies Measured

By completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Describe nurses’ and the interdisciplinary team’s role in informatics with a focus on electronic health information and patient care technology to support decision making.
    • Describe the security, privacy, and confidentiality laws related to protecting sensitive electronic health information that govern the interdisciplinary team.
    • Explain the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to safeguard sensitive electronic health information.
  • Competency 2: Implement evidence-based strategies to effectively manage protected health information.
    • Identify evidence-based approaches to mitigate risks to patients and health care staff related to sensitive electronic health information.
    • Develop a professional, effective staff update that educates interprofessional team members about protecting the security, privacy, and confidentiality of patient data, particularly as it pertains to social media usage.
  • Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly communication to facilitate use of health information and patient care technologies.
    • Follow APA style and formatting guidelines for citations and references.
    • Create a clear, concise, well-organized, and professional staff update that is generally free from errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Resources

This course has been completed and no further assessments may be submitted.

Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.

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Nursing Infographics on Protecting PHI

These infographics serve as examples of how to succinctly summarize information. In your staff update assessment, you will not have all the images and graphics that infographics might contain; instead, focus your analysis on what makes the messaging effective. Apply these principles to writing your interprofessional staff update.

The Nurse’s Role in Patient Privacy

  • ANA Center for Ethics and Human Rights. (2015). American Nurses Association position statement on privacy and confidentiality [PDF]. Available from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4ad4a8/globalassets/docs/ana/position-statement-privacy-and-confidentiality.pdf
    • This ANA position statement examines the role of nurses in protecting privacy and confidentiality and provides recommendations to maintain compliance.
  • McCartney, P. R. (2016). The electronic health record and nursing practice. The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 41(2), 126.
    • This article comments on the Joint Commission (TJC) alert on the safe use of health information technology (HIT) following an analysis of events that resulted in patient harm.

Social Media and Privacy

HIPAA

Activity

Complete this activity, which provides an opportunity for you to test your knowledge of potential privacy, security, and confidentiality violations of protected health information.

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Introduction to NURS -FPX 4040 Assessment Two

The NURS FPX 4040 involves preparing a two-page interprofessional staff update on HIPAA and appropriate social media use in healthcare. The goal is to educate team members on protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient information. This How-To Owlisdom Guide is crucial as technological advancements have increased access to health information, but also introduced new risks.

Telehealth Services Context: Telehealth involves providing health care remotely via videoconferencing or phone calls. With the rise of digital health, there’s an increased risk of breaches if platforms aren’t secure. Social Media Concern: Screenshots, anecdotes, or discussions about telehealth sessions can easily violate HIPAA regulations.

Understanding HIPAA and Healthcare Settings

To start the NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 2, we have to choose a topic from the two given. I am choosing Telehealth Services to provide guidelines and sample solutions.

Definition and Importance of HIPAA

Start by researching HIPAA to understand its role in protecting patient information. HIPAA sets national standards for the security and privacy of health data.

Specific Considerations for Telehealth Services

For Telehealth Services, focus on the challenges of delivering healthcare remotely. Understand the importance of secure platforms and the risks of sharing telehealth session details on social media.

Specific Considerations for Research Institutions and Clinical Trials

If focusing on Research Institutions and Clinical Trials, examine how sensitive participant data is managed. Consider the implications of sharing research details on social media and the need for strict confidentiality.

Example

Definition and Importance of HIPAA

HIPAA establishes national standards to safeguard sensitive patient information, ensuring its privacy, security, and confidentiality (Szalados, 2021). It regulates how healthcare providers and organizations handle patient data. Compliance with HIPAA is vital for:

  • Maintaining patient trust
  • Avoiding legal penalties
  • Promoting a secure healthcare environment

Specific Considerations for Telehealth Services

Telehealth services, which involve delivering healthcare remotely through video conferencing, phone calls, and other digital platforms, present unique challenges in protecting patient information. Key considerations include: 

  • Ensuring telehealth platforms are secure, utilizing encryption and other security measures.
  • Avoid sharing telehealth session details on social media.
  • Providing regular training on the secure use of telehealth tools and awareness of potential risks.

Specific Considerations for Research Institutions and Clinical Trials

In research institutions and clinical trials, protecting sensitive participant data is crucial (Rose et al., 2023). Researchers must:

  • Use secure data storage systems and limit access to authorized personnel.
  • Avoid sharing research progress or participant details on social media.
  • Undergo training to understand the importance of data privacy and the risks associated with social media use.
  • Implement comprehensive data security measures and maintain strict confidentiality protocols.

Identifying Risks and Implementing Best Practices

Risks Associated with Social Media Use in Healthcare
  • Identify the common risks healthcare providers face when using social media. Look for case studies or examples where inappropriate use led to breaches of patient confidentiality.
Best Practices for Protecting Patient Information

Develop a list of best practices, such as:

  • Using secure passwords
  • Logging out of public computers
  • Only sharing patient information with authorized personnel
  • Regular staff training on privacy, security, and confidentiality
Example

Healthcare providers face significant risks when using social media (Szalados, 2021). Inappropriate use can lead to breaches of patient confidentiality, legal issues, and damage to professional reputations. Examples include:

  • A nurse in Texas was fired for sharing patient vaccination details on Facebook.
  • A New York nurse lost her job for posting an insensitive photo from the emergency department on Instagram.

These cases highlight the need for strict social media guidelines to avoid HIPAA violations. Developing and following best practices is essential for safeguarding patient information:

  • Using Secure Passwords: Ensure all accounts and devices are protected with strong, unique passwords.
  • Logging Out of Public Computers: Always log out of public computers to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Sharing Information Only with Authorized Personnel: Share patient information exclusively with individuals directly involved in their care.
  • Regular Staff Training: Conduct ongoing training sessions to keep staff updated on best practices regarding privacy, security, and confidentiality.
  • Avoiding Social Media Discussions: Refrain from discussing patient information or posting related content on social media platforms.

Developing the Staff Update

  • Structuring the Update
  • Outline your staff updates with clear sections, including an introduction, main content, and conclusion. Ensure it is concise and focused.

Key Points to Include

  • Definition and importance of HIPAA
  • Specific risks and guidelines for your chosen setting (Telehealth or Research)
  • Concrete examples of best practices
  • Emphasis on regular training and awareness
Example

Structuring the Staff Update

To create an effective staff update, structure it with clear sections:

  • Introduction: Briefly state the purpose of the update, highlighting the importance of HIPAA and secure social media use.
  • Main Content: Provide detailed information on HIPAA, specific guidelines for telehealth and research settings, and best practices for protecting patient information (Albukhitan, 2020).
  • Conclusion: Reinforce key points and emphasize the importance of compliance and vigilance.

Key Points to Include

Definition and Importance of HIPAA: Explain HIPAA and its significance in protecting patient information.

  • Specific Risks and Guidelines for Telehealth Services: Outline the unique challenges and risks associated with telehealth and provide guidelines to mitigate these risks.
  • Concrete Examples of Best Practices: Offer practical examples of best practices, such as using secure passwords, logging out of public computers, and regular training.
  • Emphasis on Regular Training and Awareness: Highlight the necessity of continuous education and awareness to maintain high standards of privacy, security, and confidentiality.

Demonstration of Proficiency

Competency 1: Role in Informatics

Describe the role of nurses and the interdisciplinary team in managing electronic health information. Highlight the importance of collaboration to ensure data security and privacy.

Competency 2: Managing Protected Health Information

Identify strategies to mitigate risks to patients and staff. Develop content that educates the team on protecting sensitive data, particularly regarding social media use.

Competency 5: Scholarly Communication

Ensure your update follows APA style and is clear, concise, and professional. Avoid errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling to maintain credibility.

Closing

Completing the NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 2 will enhance your understanding of HIPAA and the importance of protecting patient information in the digital age. This How-To NURS FPX 4040 Guide will help you create a well-structured staff update. You will help your team navigate the complexities of social media use in healthcare, ultimately improving patient care and maintaining trust.

References 

Albukhitan, S. (2020). Developing digital transformation strategy for manufacturing. Procedia Computer Science, 170, 664–671.

Rose, R. V., Kumar, A., & Kass, J. S. (2023). Protecting privacy: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Twenty-First Century Cures Act, and social media. Neurologic Clinics, 41(3), 513–522.

Szalados, J. E. (2021). Medical Records and Confidentiality: Evolving Liability Issues Inherent in the Electronic Health Record, HIPAA, and Cybersecurity. The Medical-Legal Aspects of Acute Care Medicine: A Resource for Clinicians, Administrators, and Risk Managers, 315–342.

NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment Four: Informatics and Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators

Instructions for NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment Four

Informatics and Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators

Prepare an 8–10 minute audio training tutorial (video is optional) for new nurses on the importance of nursing-sensitive quality indicators.

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Introduction

The focus of Assessment 4 is on how informatics support the monitoring of nursing-sensitive quality indicator data. You will develop an 8–10 minute audio (or video) training module to orient new nurses in a workplace to a single nursing-sensitive quality indicator critical to the organization. Your recording will address how data are collected and disseminated across the organization, along with the nurses’ role in supporting accurate reporting and high-quality results.

Professional Context

The American Nursing Association (ANA) established the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI®) in 1998 to track and report on quality indicators heavily influenced by nursing action.

NDNQI® was established as a standardized approach to evaluating nursing performance in relation to patient outcomes. It provides a database and quality measurement program to track clinical performance and to compare nursing quality measures against other hospital data at the national, regional, and state levels. Nursing-sensitive quality indicators help establish evidence-based practice guidelines in the inpatient and outpatient settings to enhance quality care outcomes and initiate quality improvement educational programs, outreach, and protocol development.

The quality indicators the NDNQI® monitors are organized into three categories: structure, process, and outcome. Theorist Avedis Donabedian first identified these categories. Donabedian’s theory of quality health care focused on the links between quality outcomes and the structures and processes of care (Grove et al., 2018).

Nurses must be knowledgeable about the indicators their workplaces monitor. Some nurses deliver direct patient care that leads to a monitored outcome. Other nurses may be involved in data collection and analysis. In addition, monitoring organizations, including managed care entities, exist to gather data from individual organizations to analyze overall industry quality. All of these roles are important to advance quality and safety outcomes.

Reference

Grove, S. K., Gray, J. R., Jay, G. W., Jay, H. M., & Burns, N. (2018). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice (7th ed.). Elsevier.

Preparation

As you begin to prepare this assessment you are encouraged to complete the Conabedian Quality Assessment Framework activity. Quality health care delivery requires systematic action. Completion of this will help you succeed with the assessment as you consider how the triad of structure (such as the hospital, clinic, provider qualifications/organizational characteristics) and process (such as the delivery/coordination/education/protocols/practice style or standard of care) may be modified to achieve quality outcomes.

This assessment requires you to prepare an 8–10 minute audio training tutorial (with optional video) for new nurses on the importance of nursing-sensitive quality indicators. To successfully prepare for your assessment, you will need to complete the following preparatory activities:

  • Review the nursing-sensitive quality indicators presented in the Assessment 04 Supplement: Informatics and Nursing Sensitive quality Indicators [PDF]  Download Assessment 04 Supplement: Informatics and Nursing Sensitive quality Indicators [PDF]resource and select one nursing-sensitive quality indicator to use as the focus for this assessment.
  • Conduct independent research on the most current information about the selected nursing-sensitive quality indicator.
  • Interview a professional colleague or contact who is familiar with quality monitoring and how technology can help to collect and report quality indicator data. You do not need to submit the transcript of your conversation, but do integrate what you learned from the interview into the audio tutorial. Consider these questions for your interview:
    • What is your experience with collecting data and entering it into a database?
    • What challenges have you experienced?
    • How does your organization share with the nursing staff and other members of the health care system the quality improvement monitoring results?
    • What role do bedside nurses and other frontline staff have in entering the data? For example, do staff members enter the information into an electronic medical record for extraction? Or do they enter it into another system? How effective is this process?
  • Watch the Informatics and Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators Video Exemplar.

Recording Your Presentation

To prepare to record the audio for your presentation, complete the following:

  • Set up and test your microphone or headset using the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. You only need to use the headset if your audio is not clear and high-quality when captured by the microphone.
  • Practice using the equipment to ensure the audio quality is sufficient.
  • Review Using Kaltura for Kaltura to record your presentation.
  • View Creating a Presentation: A Guide to Writing and Speaking. This video addresses the primary areas involved in creating effective audiovisual presentations. You can return to this resource throughout the process of creating your presentation to view the tutorial appropriate for you at each stage.

Notes:

  • You may use other tools to record your tutorial. You will, however, need to consult Using Kaltura for instructions on how to upload your audio-recorded tutorial into the course room, or you must provide a working link that your instructor can easily access.
  • You may also choose to create a video of your tutorial, but this is not required.

Instructions

For this assessment, first review the nursing-sensitive quality indicators presented in the Assessment 04 Supplement: Informatics and Nursing Sensitive Quality Indicators [PDF]. Download Assessment 04 Supplement: Informatics and Nursing Sensitive Quality Indicators [PDF]resource and select one nursing-sensitive quality indicator to use as the focus for this assessment.

Next, imagine you are a member of a Quality Improvement Council at any type of health care system, whether acute, ambulatory, home health, managed care, et cetera. Your Council has identified that newly hired nurses would benefit from comprehensive training on the importance of nursing-sensitive quality indicators. The Council would like the training to address how this information is collected and disseminated across the organization. It would also like the training to describe the role nurses have in accurate reporting and high-quality results.

The Council indicates a recording is preferable to a written fact sheet due to the popularity of audio blogs. In this way, new hires can listen to the tutorial on their own time using their phone or other device.

As a result of this need, you offer to create an audio tutorial orienting new hires to these topics. You know that you will need a script to guide your audio recording. You also plan to incorporate into your script the insights you learned from interviewing with an authority on quality monitoring and the use of technology to collect and report quality indicator data.

You determine that you will cover the following topics in your audio tutorial script:

Introduction: Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicator

  • What is the National Database of Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators?
  • What are nursing-sensitive quality indicators?
  • Which particular quality indicator did you select to address in your tutorial?
  • Why is this quality indicator important to monitor?
    • Be sure to address the impact of this indicator on the quality of care and patient safety.
  • Why do new nurses need to be familiar with this particular quality indicator when providing patient care?

Collection and Distribution of Quality Indicator Data

  • According to your interview and other resources, how does your organization collect data on this quality indicator?
  • How does the organization disseminate aggregate data?
  • What role do nurses play in supporting accurate reporting and high-quality results?
    • As an example, consider the importance of accurately entering data regarding nursing interventions.

After completing your script, practice delivering your tutorial several times before recording it.

Additional Requirements

  • Audio communication: Deliver a professional, effective audio tutorial on a selected quality indicator that engages new nurses and motivates them to accurately report quality data in a timely fashion.
  • Length: 8–10 minute audio recording. Use Kaltura to upload your recording to the course room, or provide a working link your instructor can access.
  • Script: A separate document with the script or speaker’s notes is required. Important: Submissions that do not include the script or speaker’s notes will be returned as a non-performance.
  • References: Cite a minimum of three scholarly and/or authoritative sources.
  • APA: Submit, along with the recording, a separate reference page that follows APA style and formatting guidelines. For an APA refresher, consult the Evidence and APA page on Campus.

Competencies Measured

By completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Describe nurses’ and the interdisciplinary team’s role in informatics with a focus on electronic health information and patient care technology to support decision making.
    • Describe the interdisciplinary team’s role in collecting and reporting quality indicator data to enhance patient safety, patient care outcomes, and organizational performance reports.
  • Competency 3: Evaluate the impact of patient care technologies on desired outcomes.
    • Explain how a health care organization uses nursing-sensitive quality indicators to enhance patient safety, patient care outcomes, and organizational performance reports.
  • Competency 4: Recommend the use of a technology to enhance quality and safety standards for patients.
    • Justify how a nursing-sensitive quality indicator establishes evidence-based practice guidelines for nurses to follow when using patient care technologies to enhance patient safety, satisfaction, and outcomes.
  • Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly communication to facilitate the use of health information and patient care technologies.
    • Deliver a professional, effective audio tutorial on a selected quality indicator that engages new nurses and motivates them to accurately report quality data in a timely fashion.
    • Follow APA style and formatting guidelines for citations and references.

Introduction to NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment Four: Informatics and Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators

The NURS 4040 Guide requires developing an 8- to 10-minute audio training tutorial for new nurses. The tutorial should focus on nursing-sensitive quality indicators and the role of informatics in monitoring these indicators. Owlisdom How-To Guide, NURS-FPX 4040 Assessment Four: Informatics and Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators, aims to orient new nurses to the importance of accurate data collection and reporting to enhance patient care quality and safety.

NOTE

  • Use other tools if needed, but consult Kaltura about uploading.
  • Creating a video is optional.
  • Contact Disability Services for accommodation if required.
  • Ensure your recording is accessible and the link works.

The Importance of Patient Satisfaction as a Quality Indicator

To start the NURS-FPX 4040 assessment four: informatics and nursing-sensitive quality indicators, we will discuss the importance of patient satisfaction as a quality indicator.

Definition and Components

  • Define patient satisfaction in nursing care.
  • Describe critical components: effective communication, responsiveness to patient needs, adequacy of information, empathy, and respect.

Impact on Healthcare Outcomes

  • Explain how high levels of patient satisfaction lead to positive healthcare outcomes.
  • Provide examples such as adherence to treatment plans, follow-up care participation, and engagement in preventive health behaviors.

Organizational Benefits

  • Discuss how high patient satisfaction scores benefit healthcare organizations.
  • Mention improvements in reputation, patient volume, and financial incentives.
  • Highlight compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

Interdisciplinary Team’s Role

  • Describe the role of interdisciplinary teams in collecting, analyzing, and applying patient satisfaction data.
  • Explain data collection methods, including surveys and direct feedback.
  • Emphasize the collaborative approach to developing targeted strategies for improving patient care.

Case Study

  • Provide an example of the role of interdisciplinary teams in improving patient safety outcomes.
  • Summarize a relevant study, such as Reiter-Palmon et al. (2018), to illustrate successful implementation.

Enhancing Patient Safety and Outcomes Using Quality Indicators

Use of Data in Improvement Plans
  • Explain how healthcare organizations use patient satisfaction data to shape improvement plans.
  • Describe the analysis process to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Provide an example from a study demonstrating the impact of NSIs.
  • Discuss the role of patient satisfaction scores in establishing evidence-based practice guidelines.
  • Mention technologies that enhance communication and patient satisfaction, supported by relevant studies.
Professional Development
  • Highlight the importance of continuing education and professional development for nurses.
  • Explain how education initiatives ensure nurses stay updated with best practices in patient satisfaction.
Justifying Evidence-Based Practices
  • Justify the implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines based on patient satisfaction indicators.
  • Provide examples of how improved communication correlates with better treatment adherence and patient satisfaction.
  • Discuss the role of EHRs, telehealth, and mobile health applications in enhancing patient-centered care.

Conclusion

We will conclude all the key takeaways from NURS-FPX 4040 assessment four: informatics and nursing-sensitive quality indicators.

  • Summarize the critical importance of patient satisfaction as a nursing-sensitive quality indicator.
  • Recap the role of interdisciplinary teams, data utilization, and evidence-based practices in improving patient outcomes and organizational performance.
  • Encourage continued efforts to elevate care standards and ensure positive patient experiences.

Demonstration of Proficiency

Competency 1: Describe nurses’ and the interdisciplinary team’s role in informatics with a focus on electronic health information and patient care technology to support decision-making.

Competency 3: Evaluate the impact of patient care technologies on desired outcomes.

Competency 4: Recommend using technology to enhance patient quality and safety standards.

Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly communication to facilitate the use of health information and patient care technologies.

Closing

The key takeaway from the NURS-FPX 4040 assessment four: informatics and nursing-sensitive quality indicators is understanding the critical role of nursing-sensitive quality indicators and using informatics to support high-quality patient care. By effectively communicating the importance of these indicators, new nurses will be better prepared to contribute to their organization’s quality improvement efforts. This How-To NURS-FPX 4040 Guide fosters a culture of safety and accuracy and underscores the interdisciplinary collaboration essential in modern healthcare settings.

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