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abstract
On the basis of a study by the Institute of Medicine, the current health care system is facing several challenges that may be addressed by changes in health professions education. The study focused on integration of five core competencies into health professions education, one of which was informatics. This critical analysis investigates current use of technology and online instructional strategies in nursing education. It also explores the potential impact of integration of informatics into nursing education to increase the cognitive skills of nurses to promote evidence-based nursing. Advantages and disadvantages of using online education in the instruction of nursing students and recommendations for best online practices in nursing education are discussed.
J Contin Educ Nurs 2009;40(5):228-232.
According to the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) report Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality, "All health professionals should be educated to deliver patient-centered care as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches, and informatics" (Hundert et al., 2003, p. 45). The IOM report focuses on integrating five core competencies-patient-centered care, working in interdisciplinary teams, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics-into health professions education. It also lists some challenges facing the current health care system. These challenges include the absence of a system and coordination across sectors, resulting in lack of continuity, poor accommodation of patient needs, an inability to assimilate the increasingly complex science base, slow adoption of information technology, failure to address consumerism among patients who are better educated and more informed about their health needs and health care, and work force shortages and discontent (Hundert et al.). Because technology could be used to impact the five core competencies and, as a result, the quality of health care, this article focuses mainly on the use of technology. It also explores inclusion of informatics in nursing education.
NURSES AS LEARNERS
The ages and academic achievements of nursing students vary greatly. Nursing students can be identified as intended nurses and practicing nurses. They can be high school graduates who enroll in higher education to complete prerequisites for nursing programs or currently employed nurses. Nursing students may be enrolled in nursing programs at universities or community colleges or in nursing diploma programs. Many nursing programs offer courses or degrees online. Regardless of learners'...