Nursing 4210 - Health: Transitions

Learning Activity #10 (Online)
Nursing Informatics, Data Management
& Health Information Systems

Overview:

Nursing Informatics is a term that has existed for close to thirty years now, but is still in its’ infancy. In parallel, the structuring of a electronic health information system in Canada has been in the planning stages for several years now, but is still being brain-stormed, planned, and created. Data on some health issues and statuses have been gathered, but much is not. The existing data quite often is too cumbersome to be easily analyzed and shared.

“Better health information is essential if we are to have an integrated health system. A system that enables us to identify emerging needs or vulnerable populations, so that preventive actions can be taken. A system that effectively links the full range of services - from prevention to primary care, to hospital care, to home or community care, to mental health services, to long term and palliative care. A system that enables us to track how individuals navigate their way through these services, and with what results. Better health information is essential if we are to have a system premised on evidence based decision making. A system that integrates health care knowledge with information technology to promote learning and innovation. A system where “best practices” are identified and shared. A system where useful data are gathered, transformed into information, and made available in a timely way to those who require it. And better health information is essential if we are to have a system that empowers patients by giving them a greater role in shaping the health system, understanding their options, making choices, and in maintaining and improving their own health,”

(CIHI, 2000, p. 1).

The current initiatives in health information are also focused on collecting data related to how Canadians fare in enjoying the social determinants of health. As well, they ask how can each health authority ensure that their unique communities and populations enjoy vibrant health in an integrated, evidenced-based way?