NCM 110 - NURSING INFORMATICS LAB

1. Computers and Nursing

In the modern healthcare environment, technology has become an indispensable tool for
improving patient care, facilitating communication, and enhancing the decision-making process.
The role of computers in nursing is crucial for ensuring high-quality care and patient safety.

What is a computer?

A computer is a machine that uses electronic components and instructions to perform

calculations, repetitive and complex procedures, process text, and manipulate data and signals.

a. Functions of Computer
Input – The process of entering data into the computer using input devices like
keyboards, mouse, scanners, and sensors.
Processing – The Central Processing Unit (CPU) processes the input data by
performing calculations, running programs, and making logical decisions.
Storage – Data is stored temporarily in RAM (Random Access Memory) or permanently
in storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, or cloud storage.
Output – Processed information is displayed or presented through output devices like
monitors, printers, and speakers.
Communication – Computers exchange data with other systems over networks (such
as the internet), enabling file sharing, emails, and online collaboration.

b. Types of Computers in Nursing

Supercomputer

●​ These are the fastest and most powerful computers used for complex scientific
calculations, simulations, and data processing.
●​ Used in fields like weather forecasting, nuclear simulations, and artificial
intelligence research.
●​ Example: IBM Summit, Fugaku.

Mainframe Computer

●​ Large, powerful systems used by organizations for bulk data processing,

transaction management, and enterprise applications.
●​ Used by banks, airlines, and government agencies.
●​ Example: IBM Z Series.

Microcomputer (Personal Computer - PC)

●​ Designed for individual use, including desktops, laptops, and workstations.

●​ Used for general computing tasks like web browsing, gaming, and office work.
 ●​ Example: Dell, HP, Apple MacBook.

Handheld Computers / PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

●​ Small, portable computing devices with basic computing capabilities.

●​ Earlier PDAs were used for note-taking, calendars, and basic applications.
●​ Modern smartphones and tablets have largely replaced PDAs.
●​ Example: Palm Pilot, Apple Newton.

2. Computer System

A computer system is composed of several interrelated components that work together to

process information. These components include hardware, software, data, and users, all of
which are essential for supporting nursing informatics.

a. Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical components of the computer system that allow data processing
and user interaction. These include:

●​ Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often called the "brain" of the computer, the CPU
performs the computations and logical operations required for running software and
processing data.
●​ Memory and Storage: Data is stored in memory (RAM) for quick access and on hard
drives or cloud servers for long-term storage. Nurses and other healthcare professionals
rely on accessible, secure storage to manage large amounts of patient data.
●​ Input and Output Devices: Input devices like keyboards, mice, and scanners allow data
entry into the system, while output devices like monitors and printers display the
processed information. In nursing, these devices are used for everything from entering
patient vitals to printing discharge instructions.
●​ Network Components: Routers and network cables connect healthcare devices to
centralized servers, ensuring that all patient data is accessible in real time across
different departments.

b. Software

Software refers to the programs and applications that run on a computer system. It is
categorized into two main types:

●​ System Software: This includes operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS) that
manage the hardware and software resources of the computer, ensuring that everything
runs smoothly.
●​ Application Software: This type of software is designed to perform specific tasks, such as
EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner), patient scheduling software, and clinical decision
 support tools. These applications are critical for managing patient care, organizing
administrative tasks, and improving workflow efficiency in healthcare settings.

In nursing, having reliable and user-friendly software is essential for facilitating documentation,
medication administration, and communication with other members of the healthcare team.

c. Data

Data is the raw material that drives nursing informatics. Data in healthcare comes in many
forms, including:

●​ Patient Data: This includes demographic information, medical history, lab results,
diagnostic imaging, and medication history. The accurate collection and organization of
this data are essential for delivering safe and effective care.
●​ Clinical Data: Nurses rely on data such as vital signs, lab results, and monitoring outputs
to make informed decisions and respond appropriately to patient needs.
●​ Operational Data: Hospitals and healthcare institutions also rely on data about staffing,
patient flow, and resource management to optimize the delivery of care.

Proper data management ensures that information is accurate, timely, and accessible to
clinicians when making decisions that affect patient outcomes.

d. User

The "user" refers to anyone who interacts with the computer system. In the context of nursing
informatics, the users are typically:

●​ Nurses: They interact with computer systems to document patient information, access
clinical resources, and communicate with other healthcare professionals.
●​ Doctors and Healthcare Providers: Physicians and other clinicians access patient data to
make diagnostic and treatment decisions.
●​ Patients: Through patient portals and telemedicine systems, patients can access their
own health records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and manage
appointments.
●​ Healthcare Administrators: These users oversee the functioning of the computer
systems, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and managing resources.

The effectiveness of the computer system in nursing practice largely depends on how well users
interact with it and how well the system supports them in their roles.

3. Open Source and Free Software

In the world of healthcare technology, there is a growing interest in open-source and free
software. These terms have distinct meanings but can overlap in some contexts.
a. Open Source Software

Open-source software is software whose source code is made available to the public. Users are
allowed to modify, improve, and distribute the software. In nursing and healthcare, open-source
software offers several advantages:

●​ Customization: Healthcare facilities can tailor open-source applications to meet their

unique needs. For example, OpenMRS is an open-source electronic health record
system that can be adapted to various healthcare settings.
●​ Cost-Effectiveness: Many open-source tools are free to use, significantly reducing the
financial burden on healthcare organizations, particularly in low-resource settings.
●​ Community Support: Open-source software benefits from contributions from a wide
community of developers and healthcare professionals. This collaborative model leads to
constant improvement and innovation.

Examples of open-source software in healthcare include:

●​ OpenEMR: A widely used open-source EHR system.

●​ GNU Health: A free open-source software for managing health records and medical
data.

b. Free Software

Free software refers to software that is available to use without cost, but its source code may
not necessarily be open. Free software typically does not allow for modification or redistribution
of the code.

Examples of free software include:

●​ LibreOffice: A free office suite that healthcare professionals can use for document
creation, presentations, and data management.
●​ Google Health Tools: Free online tools for managing and organizing health data.