INFORMATICS NOTES 2.

Computer-Assisted Learning: Tools for

drug dosages and decision-making.
SAS 1
3. Distance Learning: Enables online
Simplified Notes on Nursing Informatics education and professional
development.

Introduction to Informatics 4. Documentation: Simplifies organizing

and retrieving patient records.
• Walter Bauer: Coined the term
“informatics” by combining
"information" and "automation," Core Competencies
signifying automated information
processing. • Entry-Level Nurse: Basic knowledge of
patient care technology.
• Informatics: Integrates domain science,
computer science, information science, • Experienced Nurse: Skilled in data
and cognitive science. analysis and system improvement.

• Health Informatics: Managing health • Informatics Nurse Specialist: Advanced

data and applying it alongside health IT research and system development skills.
to enhance healthcare.

Historical Milestones
Healthcare Informatics Components
• Prior to 1960s: Computers used for
1. Computer Science: Hardware and business functions in healthcare.
software development.
• 1960s: Introduction of computer
2. Healthcare Science: Foundational terminals for financial transactions.
knowledge like anatomy and
• 1970s: Recognition of computers for
physiology.
improving patient care documentation.
3. Information Science: Technology for
• 1980s: Nursing Informatics recognized as
sending and receiving data.
a specialty.
4. Cognitive Science: Processes of human
• 1990s: Integration of computer
thought and memory.
technology in healthcare (LAN
networks, email).

Nursing Informatics • Post-2000: Focus on Electronic Health

Records (EHR) and wireless tech.
• Combines nursing science, computer
science, and information science.

• Purpose: Manage and communicate Advantages of Nursing Informatics

nursing data for informed decision-
1. Improved access to information.
making across all roles and settings.
2. Better quality of care and
• Examples:
documentation.
o Management Information System
3. Reduced errors and redundancy.
(MIS): Centralized system to store
and share patient data. 4. Increased time for patient care.

o Hospital Information System (HIS): 5. Facilitates research and compliance

Focuses on managing client care with regulations.
data (e.g., billing and records).
Disadvantages

1. High costs for startup and training.

Purpose of Nursing Informatics
2. Privacy and security concerns.
1. Education: Access to vast online
3. Requires computer literacy.
resources like medical journals and
statistics. 4. Reduced nurse-patient interaction.
 o Examples: Hospital infection rates
or delays in outpatient care.
Why Study Nursing Informatics?
3. Knowledge:
1. Information doubles every 5 years.
o Processed information used for
2. Technology enhances creativity in
decision-making in nursing
patient care and education.
practice.
3. Provides global health promotion
o Examples: Nurse-patient ratios'
opportunities.
effect on outcomes or care
protocols.

Conclusion

Nursing Informatics is essential in modern Theories and Models in Nursing Informatics

healthcare for improving efficiency, quality,
1. Change Theory:
and patient outcomes, despite challenges like
cost and privacy. Its study equips nurses with o Change is integral when
skills to navigate and innovate in a tech-driven implementing or upgrading
world. information systems (e.g., moving
to paperless systems).

o Examples:
SAS 2
▪ Lewin's Change Theory
Simplified Notes on Nursing Informatics
▪ Information Theory

▪ General Systems Theory

What is Nursing Informatics?
2. Graves and Corcoran’s Model (1989):
• Definition: Combines nursing, computer,
and information sciences to manage o Nursing informatics follows a
and develop medical data systems, linear progression:
enhancing nursing practice and patient
▪ Data → Information →
outcomes.
Knowledge
• Key Technologies in Nursing Informatics:
o Emphasizes proper management
o Computerized Provider Order of data and its transformation
Entry (CPOE) into actionable knowledge.

o Electronic Medical Records 3. Schwirian’s Model (1986):

(EMRs):
o Focuses on identifying and
▪ Test results addressing significant nursing
information needs to achieve
▪ Progress notes
nursing goals.
▪ Nursing notes
o Inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of
▪ Medication records needs, aiming to guide
systematic research.

4. Turley’s Model (1996):

The "Building Blocks" of Nursing
Communication o Nursing informatics is the
intersection of nursing science,
1. Data: information science, and
o Raw, uninterpreted facts. cognitive science.

o Examples: Patient's name, age, 5. Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom

vital signs, and disease history. Model (ANA):

2. Information: o Nursing informatics integrates

data, information, and
o Organized or interpreted data knowledge to guide practice.
that becomes functional.
 o Dynamic Process: Not all • Instruction Cycle: The sequence of steps
information processing leads to the CPU follows to execute instructions:
knowledge development.
1. Fetch: Retrieve the next
6. Benner’s Level of Expertise Model: instruction using the program
counter.
o Nurses continuously progress in
skills (e.g., computer literacy and 2. Decode: Analyze the instruction
nursing knowledge) from novice to determine its function.
to expert, starting from their
3. Execute: Perform the action and
student experience.
store results.

4. Pipeline Processing: Allows

Why Nursing Informatics Matters multiple instructions to process
simultaneously at different stages
• Helps nurses provide high-quality and
of the cycle.
safe care by managing data
effectively.

• Supports decision-making with Four Main Functions of a Computer

evidence-based knowledge.
1. Input (Accepts Data)
• Drives innovations in nursing practices
o Allows users to provide
and technologies.
information using input devices.

o Common input devices include:

Key Takeaways
▪ Keyboards, Pointing
Nursing informatics bridges nursing and Devices (Mouse,
technology to improve care outcomes. It relies Touchpad, Touchscreen)
on theories, models, and dynamic processes to
▪ Game Controllers
guide decision-making and enhance the
(Joystick, Gamepad)
delivery of healthcare. Understanding its
building blocks—data, information, and ▪ Audio Devices
knowledge—is fundamental to the practice. (Microphone, MIDI
Keyboard)

▪ Visual Devices (Webcam,

SAS 3
Scanner, Barcode Reader)
Simplified Notes on Computers
2. Processing (Processes Data)

o The CPU and other processing

What is a Computer? devices handle the data.

A computer is a special machine that: o Processing devices include:

• Performs tasks like calculations, data ▪ Central Processing Unit

processing, and electronic (CPU)
communication.
▪ Secondary Processors
• Follows instructions (programs) stored in
3. Output (Produces Output)
its system.
o Displays or delivers the results of
Key Components and Processes:
processed data using output
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The devices.
"brain" of the computer, a
o Categories of output:
microprocessor chip made of silicon
with millions of tiny electrical ▪ Softcopy Output: Displays
components. on screens (monitors,
smartboards).
• Registers: Tiny memory locations in the
CPU used to temporarily store data or ▪ Sound Output: Speakers,
instructions. headphones.
 ▪ Hardcopy Output: Printers weather predictions, military
(dot matrix, inkjet, laser). tasks).

▪ Multifunction Devices: o Use parallel processing (splitting

Touchscreens serve as tasks among multiple CPUs).
both input and output
Here’s a summary of key information from the
devices.
content you provided:
4. Storage (Stores Results)
Types of Computers
o Memory devices save data for
1. Digital Computers: Use binary numbers
temporary or permanent use.
(0s and 1s) to perform calculations.
o RAM (Random Access Memory):
2. Analog Computers: Use continuous
▪ Volatile, temporarily stores ranges of values and can represent
current data/programs, fractional values (e.g., 0.5, pi).
faster performance.
Basic Computer Terminologies
o ROM (Read-Only Memory):
• Cursor: Visual indicator showing where
▪ Permanent, stores boot the mouse is positioned on the screen.
instructions.
• Desktop: The main screen view showing
o Storage Devices: icons and shortcuts after the computer
starts.
▪ Magnetic Storage: Hard
drives, floppy disks. • Drive: Where disks are stored and
operate (e.g., hard drives, CD-ROM
▪ Optical Storage: CDs,
drives).
DVDs.
• Monitor: Displays the output of
computer tasks.
Range of Computer Types
• CPU: The brain of the computer that
1. Small Computers: processes all calculations.

o Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): • RAM: Temporary memory used for short-
Portable devices for scheduling, term tasks, wiped out when the
notetaking, and communication. computer is turned off.

o Handheld Game Devices: • ROM: Permanent, non-volatile memory

Compact entertainment systems. that can't be altered.

2. Laptops and PCs: • CD-ROM Drive: Reads compact disks

containing data or audio.
o Portable or desktop computers
for personal and professional use. • Hardware: Physical components of a
computer, such as the keyboard, CPU,
o Equipped with keyboards, and monitor.
pointing devices, and screens.
• Peripherals: External devices connected
3. Workstations: to a computer (e.g., mouse, printer).
o High-performance computers • Software: Applications or programs used
with advanced capabilities, used to perform tasks on the computer.
in scientific, industrial, or financial
environments. Main Parts of a Computer

4. Mainframes and Supercomputers: 1. Motherboard: The main circuit board

that connects all hardware
o Mainframes: Large-scale components.
computers for business and
industrial tasks, shared by many 2. CPU: The processor that executes
users. instructions.

o Supercomputers: Handle 3. GPU: Graphics card that handles image

complex calculations (e.g., rendering.
 4. RAM: Temporary storage for active • USB Drives: Portable storage devices
processes. that use flash memory.

5. Storage (SSD/HDD): Long-term storage This overview provides a comprehensive

for data and programs. understanding of computer types,
components, terminology, and storage.
Types of Computers Based on Use

• Personal/Micro Computers: Small-scale

computers for individual use. SAS 4

• Workstations: High-performance Computer Software Overview

computers part of a network.
What is Computer Software?
• Servers: Handle network functions and
• Software is a collection of instructions or
data sharing.
commands that tell the computer how
• Mainframe: Large computers for to perform specific tasks.
enterprise-scale computing tasks.
• Unlike hardware (the physical parts of a
• Supercomputers: Extremely powerful computer), software consists of binary
computers for complex tasks like code and machine language, which
simulations. are not human languages like English or
Tagalog.
Processing
• When properly programmed, software
• CPU's role: Executes tasks like
can instruct the hardware to carry out
calculations and decisions.
tasks in a specific order.
• ALU: Performs the arithmetic and logic
Types of Software
functions of the computer.
1. System Software:
• Control Unit: Manages the flow of
instructions during the machine cycle. o Basic software that helps the
computer's hardware perform
Types of Databases
specific tasks, such as operating
1. Flat Database: Simple, text-based systems and utility programs.
databases where fields are separated
o Example: Windows, macOS,
by characters (e.g., CSV).
Linux.
2. Relational Database: More complex
2. Programming Software:
databases with linked tables, like
Microsoft Access and Oracle. o Tools that assist programmers in
writing and executing code, like
Storage Devices
debuggers and compilers.
• Primary Storage: Volatile memory like
o Example: Python, Java, Visual
RAM and storage devices like CDs and
Studio.
DVDs.
3. Application Software:
• Auxiliary Storage: Non-volatile storage,
such as hard drives and flash memory. o Programs designed for end users
to perform specific tasks, such as
Input/Output Devices
data management, writing, or
• Input Devices: Used to enter data (e.g., communication.
keyboard, mouse).
o Example: Microsoft Office,
• Output Devices: Used to display results Google Chrome, Adobe
(e.g., monitor, printer). Photoshop.

Flash Memory & USB Drives Application Software in Healthcare

• Flash Memory: Non-volatile, solid-state • Helps convert data into meaningful

storage used in devices like cameras information, aiding healthcare
and phones. professionals in report preparation and
data analysis.
 • Examples: Electronic Health Records 3. Ring Topology: Devices are connected
(EHR), Hospital Information Systems, in a ring, and data travels in one
Clinical Information Systems. direction. The system can fail if any
device breaks down.
Examples of Application Software:

1. Word Processing Software: Used for

creating and editing text documents Types of Software Licenses
(e.g., Microsoft Word).
1. Freeware: Software available for free,
2. Spreadsheet Software: Used for but the source code is not accessible
managing and analyzing numerical for modification. Examples: Google
data (e.g., Microsoft Excel). Chrome, Skype.

3. Database Software: Stores and 2. Shareware: Software that is free for a

organizes data (e.g., Oracle, MS limited period (e.g., 30 days), after
Access). which payment is required. Examples:
Adobe Photoshop, McAfee Antivirus.
4. Multimedia Software: Combines text,
audio, and video (e.g., RealPlayer). 3. Open Source Software: Software whose
source code is freely available for
5. Email Programs: Used for email
modification and distribution. Examples:
communication (e.g., Gmail).
Linux, Mozilla Firefox.

4. Closed Source Software: Software where

Computer Networks the source code is proprietary and not
accessible to users. Examples: Microsoft
What is a Computer Network? Office, Adobe Photoshop.
• A network is a group of interconnected Utility Software: A type of system software that
computer systems that share resources helps manage computer resources, such as
and communicate with each other. antivirus software, disk cleaners, and data
• Networks can be classified based on backup tools.
their size and scope, such as:

o Personal Area Network (PAN): Free Software vs. Open Source Software
Small networks like those within a
hospital department. • Free Software: Users are free to run,
modify, and distribute software. This is
o Local Area Network (LAN): different from freeware, which is free but
Networks covering a smaller not open for modification.
physical area like a hospital.
• Open Source Software (OSS): Software
o Metropolitan Area Network where the source code is open for
(MAN): Networks that connect modification, allowing users to improve
multiple LANs within a city. and share it. Examples: Apache,
o Wide Area Network (WAN): Large Moodle, LibreOffice.
networks that cover broad Benefits of Open Source Software:
geographic areas, like the
internet. • More control over the software

Types of Network Topology: • Greater security and stability

1. Star Topology: All devices are • High-quality results and flexibility for
connected to a central node. Reliable customization
but can fail if the central node goes
Challenges:
down.
• Licensing and intellectual property
2. Bus Topology: All devices are
concerns
connected to a single communication
line (bus). Easy to set up, but difficult to • Potential costs related to support and
fix if the bus fails. migration

• Business models and long-term viability

 • Size: Storage space required (in
kilobytes).
This summary simplifies the complex concepts
of software, networks, and licenses, making it • Type: Program used to open the file.
easier to understand the key points.
• Date Modified: Last edited date.

• File Structure: Behind-the-scenes format

SAS 5 for the file.

Quick Guide to Basic Computer Skills File Types and Extensions:

Turning Your Computer On: • Files can vary by purpose and structure.

• Press the power switch (usually on the • Executable files (e.g., .exe) can run
front). programs and potentially introduce
malware.
• The computer will “boot up,” loading
the operating system and bringing you • Always be cautious with files like .exe
to the desktop. and .com.

Dealing with Passwords: File Organization:

• If prompted for a password, enter it and • Files are stored in folders (like a file
click "Ok." cabinet).

• If no password is required, just click "Ok." • Folders can be nested inside each
other.
• If you don't know the password, you'll
need to find it. • Common drives: A (floppy), C (hard
drive), D (data), E/F (CD-ROM).
Turning Your Computer Off:
Using Command Keys:
• Close all programs and click:
• Ctrl: Access commands.
o Start > Turn off Computer > Turn
Off > Yes • Alt: Open menus.

o Or Start > Shut Down > Yes • Shift: Type capital letters.

• Turn off any attached devices (e.g., • These keys help you navigate and edit
printers, monitors) if no longer needed. faster.

Starting a Program: Basic Typing Rules:

• Click Start > All Programs > Program • One space after each word and
Name. punctuation mark.

• Alternatively: Start > All Programs > • Always start sentences with a capital
Folder > Program Name. letter.

• Or click Start > Run > Type program • Use capitals for names, places,
name (e.g., "winword" for Word) > Enter. organizations, etc.

Ending a Program: Managing Files:

• Save your work first, then: • Save files regularly to prevent data loss.

o File > Exit/ Quit. • Use the "Save" command and choose a
filename and location.
o Or click the X in the upper-right
corner. • For new files: File > Save, for existing: File
> Save As (to rename or change
o Or press Alt + F4.
location).
File Characteristics:
Folders and Directories:
• Name: The file's label.
• Folders help organize files, and
• Extension: The part that identifies the directories are like filing cabinets.
type (e.g., .docx, .txt).
 • A parent directory is the folder above, Toolbar
and a child directory is below.
• Purpose: Displays a menu with icons of
• Subdirectories can store files within the main options for quick access to
main directory. programs.

Sorting Files: Status Bar

• To sort files, right-click and choose "Sort • Purpose: Shows the current status of the
by" (e.g., Name, Date Modified, Type). program or window you're using (e.g., in
Microsoft apps).
Finding Files:

• Click Start > Find/Search, enter the file

name or part of it, and click “Find Now” Shortcuts
or “Search.”
• What are Shortcuts?: Quick links to
Saving and Copying Files: programs, files, or folders, making them
easier to access.
• Save files on your hard drive.
• How to Create Shortcuts:
• To copy multiple files, hold Shift to select
a range or Ctrl to select multiple files o Right-click the item (e.g.,
individually. program or file) and select
“Create Shortcut.”
• Use "drag and drop" or Copy (Ctrl+C)
and Paste (Ctrl+V). o Drag the shortcut to the desired
location (e.g., desktop).
Deleting and Restoring Files:

• Delete files by selecting them and

pressing Delete. Help and Support

• Use the Recycle Bin to restore files by • Getting Help: Use the help menu in the
right-clicking and choosing "Restore." Start menu to search for topics or
troubleshooting guides.
Transferring Files:
• Find: Allows you to search for specific
• Use right-click to copy or move files
topics or keywords.
between folders or external devices
(e.g., USB). • Troubleshooters: Step-by-step guides to
solve common computer problems.
Exiting Programs:

• Always close programs when finished to

free up memory. Switching Between Programs

• Use the Exit/Close option in the menu or • Task Switching: You can run multiple
press Alt + F4. programs at once and easily switch
between them using different methods,
Menus and Dialog Boxes:
such as Alt + Tab.
• Menus offer commands to interact with
programs (e.g., File > Save).
Backing Up Files
• Dialog boxes let you choose options,
such as file locations or settings. • Why Backup?: Prevent loss of data in
case of system failure.
• Menus can be accessed with hotkeys
(e.g., Alt + F for File). • How to Backup: Use CDs, floppy disks, or
online storage to save important files.
Control Panel and System Preferences

• Purpose: Change system settings such

as screen savers, time, colors, and Installing New Software
manage programs and hardware.
• Installation Steps:
• How to Access: Open through the
1. Download the software.
Control Panel or System Preferences
menu. 2. Run the installation program.
 3. Use the software after installation. • Types:

• Tip: Keep installation files organized in a o Worms: Self-replicating viruses.

specific folder.
o Trojans: Appear useful but are
harmful.

Compression and Decompression o Spam: Unwanted emails.

• Purpose: Reduce file size to save space. o Logic Bombs: Programs that run
at specific times or events.
• How to Compress: Right-click a folder or
file and select "Compress" (e.g., Zip).

• Decompress: Extract files by right- Useful Shortcut Keys

clicking and selecting "Extract All."
• Win Key + D: Minimize all windows and
show the desktop.

Printing • Win Key + E: Open File Explorer.

• Printer Setup: Ensure you have the • Ctrl + F: Open the Find function to
necessary equipment like paper, ink, search within files.
and toner.

• Print Quality Settings: Adjust for draft

Other Helpful Functions
(faster, lighter) or normal (slower, darker)
printing. • Changing Display Settings: Right-click on
the desktop or go to Control Panel to
adjust settings like resolution and
Routine Maintenance appearance.

• Empty Recycle Bin: Regularly delete files

from the Recycle Bin to free up memory
SAS 6
and improve system performance.
Understanding Computers and Their Role in
• Disk Cleanup: Use Windows' built-in tool
Healthcare
to remove temporary files and optimize
your system. The Importance of Computer Systems in
Healthcare

• Improving Healthcare Quality:

System Security and Health
Implementing health information
• Check for Viruses: Use antivirus software systems aims to enhance the quality of
(e.g., Norton or McAfee) to protect healthcare services and address
against malware. inefficiencies in manual data collection.

• System Restore: Save a restore point to • Addressing System Deficiencies: Many

revert back to if something goes wrong hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies still
with the system. use manual systems, which can lead to
errors and inefficiencies. Computer-
based systems can address these issues,
Defragmenting Your Hard Drive such as with computerized order entry
systems.
• Why Defrag?: Organize scattered data
to improve performance. • Transforming Data into Information:
Computer systems allow for the
• How to Defrag: Go to Start > Programs > conversion of raw data into useful
Accessories > System Tools > Disk information, such as statistical reports
Defragmenter. and patient profiles, which are not
possible with manual systems.

Computer Viruses • Lower Maintenance Costs: Computer

systems often have lower maintenance
• What is a Virus?: Malicious software that costs compared to manual systems,
can harm your computer or data. and they offer the potential for
 improvements based on previous • Automated Medical Processes:
system experiences. Computers can perform a wide range
of activities like patient admissions,
Benefits and Challenges of Manual vs.
health records management, patient
Computerized Health Systems
monitoring, and decision support
Manual Healthcare System: systems.

• Advantages: • Improved Communication:

Computerized systems improve
o Easy to implement and low cost. communication between various
o Requires minimal effort and no departments (lab, pharmacy, etc.) and
extra training. help with coordination for better patient
care.
o Information is accessible to
healthcare personnel. • Data Integration and Information
Conversion: All data entries are
o Data can be stored anywhere integrated and converted into useful
and isn’t easily corrupted. information such as patient medication
• Disadvantages: lists, dosage calculations, and statistical
reports.
o Maintenance issues and high
volume of data storage • Efficient Decision Making: Healthcare
problems. providers can make quicker and more
accurate decisions with the help of
o Not easily integrated with other data analysis tools provided by the
systems (e.g., lab or pharmacy). system.
o Data can be hard to convert into Healthcare Informatics
meaningful information.
• Definition: Healthcare informatics is the
o Error-prone due to manual field that combines information science,
interpretation and transcription. health science, and computer science
to manage and communicate
Computerized Healthcare System:
healthcare data.
• Advantages:
• Key Functions: It integrates data,
o Low maintenance and easy data information, and knowledge to support
conversion. decision-making in patient care and
enhances the quality of healthcare
o No need for paper, and data is
services.
easily accessible.
• Importance in Healthcare: As
o Can be integrated with various
healthcare becomes more tech-driven,
healthcare systems (e.g., labs,
informatics specialists are crucial in
pharmacy, etc.).
bridging the gap between clinical care
o Data integrity is maintained and and technology.
can be backed up.
Role of Health Informatics Specialists
• Disadvantages:
• Key Responsibilities: Health informatics
o High initial cost and requires specialists are responsible for analyzing
training for healthcare providers. data, designing and implementing
information systems, and ensuring the
o Requires additional manpower
effective use of healthcare data.
and special storage.
• Skills Required: These specialists need a
o Data can be corrupted without
solid understanding of clinical
proper backup and additional
knowledge, data analysis, information
systems need to be planned and
management, and decision-making to
implemented.
improve patient care.
Key Benefits of Computerized Healthcare
Key Technologies in Health Informatics
Systems
 • Statistical Information Systems: These • Website: A collection of web pages
systems provide insights into patient accessible via the Internet.
care, financial forecasting, and
• Homepage: The main page of a
healthcare outcomes by transforming
website, usually the first page you see
data into actionable information.
when visiting a website.
• Data Profiling: The system can process
• Link (Hyperlink): A clickable reference
large volumes of data to help
that directs users to another web page
healthcare professionals manage
or section of a page.
patient care efficiently.
• Browser: Software for navigating the
• Patient Monitoring: Continuous patient
web, displaying HTML pages.
data is recorded for real-time updates
on patient conditions, aiding in faster • Search Engine: A tool that searches the
and more effective care. web for information based on user-
defined keywords.
Applications of Computers in Healthcare
• URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The
• Daily Tasks: Computers assist in
web address that specifies the location
managing admissions, discharges,
of a resource on the Internet.
transfers, patient health records,
scheduling, patient profiling, and • Address Box: The field in a browser
monitoring. where the URL is typed to access a
website.
• Integrated Systems: Computers can
connect different departments (e.g., • Search Box: The field in a browser for
lab, pharmacy) and streamline the typing keywords to search the web.
workflow across various functions.
• Site Map: A page or file on a website
• Faster, More Accurate Care: Computers that helps users and search engines
aid in drug dosage calculations and navigate the site.
faster patient data entry, improving
clinical outcomes. • Domain: A network of computers
sharing a common protocol.
Summary
• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): A
Computerized health information systems offer coding language used to create web
significant advantages over traditional manual pages with text, images, and links.
systems by improving the accuracy, efficiency,
and accessibility of healthcare data. While 2. Common Uses of the Internet:
they require initial investments and training, • Research
they enhance patient care, reduce errors, and
integrate various healthcare functions. Health • Downloading files
informatics plays a vital role in bridging clinical • Education & self-improvement
knowledge and technology to ensure optimal
healthcare delivery. • Reading electronic newspapers and
magazines

• Job hunting
SAS 7
• Shopping
Notes on The Internet and Healthcare
Informatics • Email

1. Definitions: • Discussion groups

• Internet: A global network of 3. eHealth Tools (Healthcare on the Internet):

interconnected computers sharing
• eHealth: The use of technology to
information and communication.
enhance healthcare communication.
• World Wide Web: A system of
• WWW Documents: Provide information
documents and resources on the
through a global network but can be
Internet, identified by URLs and
hard to find.
accessed through hyperlinks.
4. Search Tools:
 • Search Engines: These use spiders (or • Consumer Health Informatics: Using
crawlers) to scan pages and create an technology to reduce healthcare costs
index of the web. Common examples and empower patients by giving them
are Google and Yahoo. access to health information online.

o Metasearchers: Search multiple • Support Tools: Forums, email lists, and

search engines and show support groups help patients and
combined results. healthcare providers interact and share
information.
o Specialized Search Tools: Search
for specific content like books, 9. Other Uses of WWW Technology in
journals, images, etc. Healthcare:

o Health-Related Search Tools: • Intranets: Internal websites for

Directories and databases for organization use.
health information.
• Extranets: Secure external access to an
o Invisible Web: Parts of the web intranet.
that cannot be accessed
• Direct Care: Online consultations with
through regular search engines,
healthcare providers.
such as password-protected
pages or PDF files. • Online Pharmacies: Purchasing
medications online with proper security
5. Searching Tips:
and privacy measures.
• Use specific keywords and acronyms
10. World Wide Web Portals:
related to your topic.
• A portal is a comprehensive website
• Explore advanced search features to
offering various resources like email,
limit results to specific domains (.edu,
forums, and search tools for a specific
.com, etc.).
group, such as healthcare professionals
6. Evaluating Sources: or consumers with a particular
condition.
When evaluating web sources, consider:
11. Impact of Computers on Healthcare:
• Credibility: Is the source reputable and
current? • Informatics: The integration of
information technology into healthcare,
• Content: Is the information accurate
starting with the management of
and supported by original sources?
financial and patient data.
• Disclosure: Who sponsors the site and
• PROMIS (Problem-Oriented Medical
how will information be used?
Information System): A system that
• Links: Are they reliable and high quality? integrated patient care information,
including diagnoses, treatment, costs,
• Design: Is the site user-friendly and easy and outcomes, beginning in 1968.
to navigate?
12. Changes in Healthcare Informatics:
• Interactivity: Does the site allow
feedback and discussion? • The focus is shifting toward data-
oriented, patient-centered systems,
• Caveats: Is the site's purpose clear, and where data is used efficiently across the
does it try to sell products or services? entire institution to improve care and
7. Electronic Mailing Lists: patient experiences.

• Mailing lists allow users to join discussions • Nurses will play a key role in managing
by subscribing. healthcare information systems to
ensure better patient outcomes.
• Moderated: Messages are reviewed
before posting. Conclusion:

• Unmoderated: Messages are The Internet and its tools are reshaping
automatically posted without review. healthcare by improving communication,
providing information, and enabling new ways
8. The New Healthcare Paradigm: for healthcare professionals and patients to
interact. As technology evolves, healthcare
professionals must adapt and become
proficient in utilizing these tools to improve
care delivery and outcomes.