Nursing Informatics Lecture Notes
1. General System Theory
General System Theory (GST) was developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. It explains that
a system is composed of different parts that interact and work together to achieve a
common goal. Instead of studying each component separately, GST focuses on how these
components influence one another.
In healthcare, hospitals and healthcare organizations are considered systems where healthcare
workers, patients, technology, and policies interact.
Main Components of a System
Input – resources entering the system (patients, data, equipment)
Throughput (Process) – activities that transform inputs (assessment, diagnosis,
documentation)
Output – results produced (improved health, reports, patient outcomes)
Feedback – information used to improve the system
Importance in Nursing Informatics
Helps understand how health information systems function
Shows how data flows between departments
Supports efficient healthcare decision-making
2. Communication Theory
Communication theory focuses on how information is transmitted, received, and interpreted
between individuals or systems. It is important in healthcare because effective communication
improves patient safety and quality of care.
Components of Communication
Sender – the person or system delivering the message
Message – the information being communicated
Channel – the medium used (verbal, written, electronic)
Receiver – the person who interprets the message
Feedback – response confirming understanding
Importance in Nursing Informatics
Supports electronic communication in healthcare
Improves documentation accuracy
Enhances collaboration among healthcare professionals
3. Technological Competency as Caring in
Nursing
This theory was developed by Rozzano Locsin.
It explains that technology and caring are not separate in nursing. Nurses use technology
to better understand patients and provide compassionate care.
Key Ideas
Technology helps nurses know patients more completely
Machines and devices support patient monitoring and treatment
Caring is still the center of nursing practice
Importance
Encourages nurses to use technology without losing human compassion
Supports the use of advanced healthcare technologies
4. Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change
This theory was developed by Kurt Lewin. It explains how organizations successfully implement
change.
Three Stages of Change
1. Unfreezing
o Recognizing the need for change
o Preparing people for new practices
2. Changing (Movement)
o Implementing new processes or technology
o Training staff
3. Refreezing
o Stabilizing the new change
o Making the new practice permanent
Application in Nursing Informatics
Used when introducing Electronic Health Records (EHR) or new healthcare technologies.
5. Diffusion of Innovation Theory
This theory was developed by Everett Rogers. It explains how new ideas and technologies
spread within a group or organization.
Types of Adopters
Innovators – first to try new technology
Early adopters – respected leaders who adopt early
Early majority – adopt after seeing success
Late majority – skeptical but eventually adopt
Laggards – last to adopt
Importance in Nursing Informatics
Helps healthcare organizations introduce new technologies effectively
6. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
The Technology Acceptance Model explains why people accept or reject new technology.
Key Factors
Perceived usefulness – belief that technology improves work performance
Perceived ease of use – belief that technology is easy to use
Application
Helps predict whether nurses will accept new health information systems.
7. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of
Technology (UTAUT)
This theory was developed by Viswanath Venkatesh. It explains factors affecting technology
adoption.
Four Main Factors
Performance expectancy – belief technology improves job performance
Effort expectancy – ease of use
Social influence – influence of colleagues or supervisors
Facilitating conditions – availability of resources and support
Importance
Helps healthcare organizations predict technology usage by nurses and staff.
8. Graves and Corcoran Model
The Graves and Corcoran Model (1989) is a framework for understanding nursing
informatics and the transformation of data into knowledge.
Three Main Elements
Data – raw facts (patient vital signs)
Information – organized data (patient chart)
Knowledge – interpretation of information used for decision-making
Importance
Supports clinical decision-making and evidence-based nursing practice.
9. Clinical Information System (CIS)
A Clinical Information System (CIS) is a computer-based system used to collect, store, and
manage patient information in healthcare facilities.
Examples
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Laboratory Information Systems
Pharmacy Information Systems
Radiology Information Systems
Importance in Nursing
Improves patient documentation
Enhances accuracy of medical records
Supports clinical decision-making
Patricia Schwirian’s Nursing Informatics Pyramid Model
(DIKW Pyramid)
The Nursing Informatics Pyramid Model developed by Patricia Schwirian explains how raw
data in healthcare is transformed into meaningful knowledge and wise clinical decisions.
The pyramid has four levels: Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (DIKW). Each
level builds upon the previous one and helps nurses make better decisions for patient care.
1. Data
Data are the raw and unprocessed facts that are collected from patients or healthcare systems.
At this level, the data are simply numbers, measurements, or observations without interpretation.
Examples of data in nursing include:
Patient’s temperature: 38.5°C
Blood pressure: 140/90 mmHg
Pulse rate: 98 beats per minute
Oxygen saturation: 92%
These values are recorded in systems such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), but by
themselves they do not yet explain the patient’s condition. Data are the foundation of the
pyramid because all other levels depend on accurate data collection.
2. Information
Information is produced when data are organized, processed, and interpreted so that they
have meaning. Nurses analyze the data and begin to understand what they indicate about the
patient’s condition.
Example:
Data: Temperature 38.5°C, patient reports chills.
Information: The patient has a fever.
Another example:
Data: BP 140/90 mmHg
Information: The patient has elevated blood pressure.
At this stage, nurses can start identifying patterns or possible health problems.
3. Knowledge
Knowledge is developed when nurses combine information with clinical experience,
education, and professional judgment. Knowledge allows nurses to understand why
something is happening and what actions should be taken.
Example:
Information: Patient has fever and chills.
Knowledge: These symptoms may indicate infection.
Another example:
Information: High blood pressure readings over several days.
Knowledge: The patient may be at risk for hypertension or cardiovascular
complications.
Knowledge helps nurses plan appropriate nursing interventions.
4. Wisdom
Wisdom is the highest level of the pyramid. It involves applying knowledge with critical
thinking, ethical judgment, and experience to make the best clinical decisions for patient
care.
Example:
Knowledge: Fever may indicate infection.
Wisdom: The nurse notifies the physician, administers prescribed antipyretics,
monitors vital signs, and educates the patient about infection management.
Another example:
Knowledge: High blood pressure can lead to complications.
Wisdom: The nurse implements lifestyle education, monitors BP regularly, and
collaborates with the healthcare team for treatment.
✅ Summary of the Pyramid
Level Meaning Nursing Example
Data Raw facts Temperature 38.5°C
Information Organized data Patient has fever
Knowledge Understanding the meaning Fever may indicate infection
Wisdom Applying knowledge for decisions Provide treatment and monitor patient