Nursing Informatics Theory - Research Paper Example

? Nursing Informatics Theory 20th, February Nursing Informatics makes use of computer technology, including informationand technology. Automation in the nursing process is beneficial to both the nurses and patients as it speeds up the process, thus realizing efficiency. In nursing informatics, there are different types of theories which serve to guide the nurses in the processes they are involved in. According to Basavanthappa (2007), it is important that nurses in the field of nursing informatics have a framework that reflects and guides their practice in nursing. This is in addition to their knowledge of the conceptual structure of nursing. Without doubt, it is crucial for nurses in nursing informatics to have knowledge about the different theories in this field and apply these in their nursing practice as a guide (Basavanthappa, 2007). Similarly, Baker (2007) notes that, for nursing informatics to be effective, the individuals involved must make use of both practical knowledge and the theoretical knowledge in this discipline. In nursing informatics, there are different theories which help to frame and inform this discipline. These include the “change theory, cybernetics theory, and the cognitive theory” (Baker, 2012, p. 153). All these theories support nursing informatics in different ways, and the nursing practitioners can combine the knowledge they acquire from these theories with what they obtain from their nursing practice to enhance their performance (Baker, 2012). Everett Rogers and Kurt Lewin, who had different approaches in the formulation of their theories, propagated the change theory. This essay will focus on the change theory and explain how this is relevant and applicable in the discipline of nursing informatics. In the change theories, it is considered that change is responsible for the computerization of information system. This is in comparison to the past centuries and the modern period, where nursing has evolved from a paper-based environment to one which is paperless; this is change. In addition, change that comes about in nursing can be planned or unplanned change, depending on the circumstances through which this change occurs. The two theorists of change, Rodgers and Lewin, addressed different types of change. While Rogers focused on both planned and unplanned change, Lewin addressed the planned change (Kaminski, 2011). Rogers named his theory of change as “diffusion of innovations” theory. Both Rogers’ theory and Lewin’s theory of change are categorized under behavioral theories. Everett Rodgers was a community health nurse and health educator who took considerable time studying and working on his theory. His theory is used to explain the process through which new information, concepts, and ideas are transferred from a different medium to another, and how these come to be incorporated into a belief system and become an adopted behavior in that system (Basavanthappa, 2007). According to Basavanthappa (2007), it is possible to use the term diffusion to refer to a kind of change which is spontaneous or unplanned, when a new idea is introduced in a belief system. However, Rogers used this term to refer to both the planned and unplanned change. “Diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system” (Basavanthappa, 2007, pp. 222). In his theory, Rogers considers an innovation as a new idea, object, or a new practice. Therefore, the process of diffusion is mainly concerned with new ideas and how innovation is adopted in the system to become part of the system (Basavanthappa, 2007). In his theory, Rogers noted that diffusion is a two-way process, and not a one-way process. This is because, new ideas, products, or social practices, spread from one society to another. However, if diffusion will happen or not depends on the nature of the innovation. This includes how complex the innovation is, how compatible it is with the society meant to adopt it, as well as the benefits the innovation will have on the recipient community. The trailability and observability of the innovation influences its rate of adoption. In addition, the nature of the adopter also determines whether the innovation will be readily adopted or not (Basavanthappa, 2007). In his theory, Rogers developed types of adopters and categorized them into five major groups. These include “the innovators, the early adopters, the early majority, late majority, and the laggards” (Basavanthappa, 2007, pp.222). These adopter categories mainly show the different speeds with which different communities will adopt an innovation. The innovators are considered to adopt innovation readily and not wanting to share their innovation with others. On the other hand, the early adopters act as the promoters of an innovation. The early majority are those willing to adopt the innovation but consider the risks it bears. The late majority will adopt an innovation because of influence by others and not based on the usefulness of the innovation. Finally, the laggards are adamant to change and will scrutinize an innovation to reveal weaknesses that other adopters had overlooked (Basavanthappa, 2007). In Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory, the phenomenon of change is viewed as happening because of different factors such as communication and observation. In this case, communication is inclusive of the different types and levels, such as communication at the personal level, or the multimedia blitzes (Basavanthappa, 2007). Nonetheless, this theory is applicable to long-term change projects. It is even more successful when nurses who had previously turned down a technological innovation later realize its benefits to other adopters and finally choose to adopt it as well. Kurt Lewin (1890-1947), was a social psychologist who was regarded as the father of social change theories (Kaminski, 2011). This is because most theories of change today, including Rogers’ theory, are based on Lewin’s theory. Lewin’s theory of change management is popular in nursing informatics and mainly involves three major stages. These are the unfreezing stage, the moving stage, and the refreezing stage. This theory is based on the notion that learning is instrumental in replacing what a person previously knew with what the person is currently learning. Lewin states behavior as "dynamic balance of forces working in opposite directions" (Current Nursing, 2011, para. 9). Each stage in this theory is important as it contributes to the aspect of change and how the change will be adopted. In the unfreezing stage, the potential adopter learns to let go of the old ways of doing things. This could be a nursing procedure which is outdated or which could pose risks to the patients’ quick recovery. At this stage, there is the opportunity for adoption of a better nursing method or a new skill to be incorporated into the nursing practice. This acts as a replacement to the old skills and methods. It is therefore, at this stage that any manager should evaluate the barriers in the nursing facility or external barriers, which might hinder this stage from being a success (Kaminski, 2011). The second stage is the movement process. This is also referred to as the change process or process of moving to a new level. Here, nurses and other members of staff are expected to change their perception toward the new change concept. Kaminski (2011) notes that in adhering to the change, these will change their ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to adjust to the new change. At this stage, nurses are encouraged to embrace the change as this will contribute to positive outcomes in their nursing practice, and they will be able to handle and care for their patients in the most effective way, compared to the period before the change (Kaminski, 2011). The final stage in Lewin’s theory of change is the refreezing process. At this stage, it is assumed that the change has already occurred, and the nurses and other staff members have readily accepted the change. For the change to be effective, the nurses are expected to undergo this final process. In this process, the nurses are supposed to make the change to be a habit, which they will practice consistently. According to Current Nursing (2011), this final process is important and must be experienced by the adopters of change, in order for the change to last for a long time. Failure to experience this process will make the change to be short-lived, thus being of less usefulness to the nursing practice. Different researches have confirmed that for a new practice to turn into a habit, a person must practice it for consecutive 28 days. Therefore, if nurses in this case are restricted to a minimum of 28 days in which they will practice the new practice, this might easily turn into a habit (Current Nursing, 2011). Lewin in his theory also included the force field analysis. This helps in managing change within organizations and communities (Kaminski, 2011). He came up with the concepts of driving forces, restraining forces, and equilibrium. Driving forces are positive as they initiate change and maintain it. These include incentives, pressure from supervisors, among others. On the other hand, restraining forces are negative forces that do not promote change. These include technology illiteracy, apathy, hostility, among others (Kaminski, 2011). These hinder productivity. Finally, equilibrium must be destabilized for change to occur. This is through weakening the restraining forces or strengthening the driving forces. This is a responsibility of the change agents, who support the three processes of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing (Kaminski, 2011). In conclusion, nursing theories are important to nurses and to the entire nursing discipline. Individuals in the nursing profession need to develop theoretical knowledge, which is the foundation of the nursing practice. These theories provide guidance to the process of nursing education, research, and practice. The theories of change by Rogers and Lewin are of great importance in nursing informatics. Since this field utilizes technology, it is important for nurses and other practitioners in this field to embrace change. Today, technology changes fast; therefore, nurses should keep up with the changes in technology in order to realize efficiency in their practice. References Baker, D., J. (2012). Nursing Informatics, Perioperative Nursing Clinics. 7(2). New York: Elsevier Health Sciences. Basavanthappa, B., T. (2008). Community Health Nursing. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Publishers. Current Nursing. (2011, September 12). Change theory: Kurt Lewin. Retrieved from: http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/change_theory.html Kaminski, J. (2011, Winter). Theory applied to informatics Lewin's Change Theory. CJNI: Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, 6(1), Editorial. Retrieved from: http://cjni.net/journal/?p=1210 Read More