Expanded Nursing Uganda Explanation
Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) should be understood beyond a short definition. Link the concept to patient history, focused assessment, common risks, nursing priorities, documentation and evaluation of outcomes.
01 BNS 116: Nursing Informatics
An introduction to the use of information and technology in healthcare, focusing on electronic health records, telehealth, and the ethical considerations for nurses.
02 Course Content
Explore the detailed topics covered in Nursing Informatics.
03 Introduction to Nursing Informatics
- Definition and Scope
- Impact of Technology on Health Care
- Theoretical Models (includes DIKW)
- Documentation & Nursing Language
- Communication & Counselling
04 Health Information Systems (HIS)
- EHR vs. EMR vs. Paper Records
- Components of EHRs
- Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)
- Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)
- Interoperability & Standards
05 Telehealth and Telenursing
- Definitions
- Applications in Nursing Practice
- Benefits and Challenges
- Technologies Used
06 Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
- Privacy & Confidentiality
- Data Security & Protection (HIPAA)
- Data Integrity & Accuracy
- The Digital Divide
- Legal Aspects of Health IT
07 Informatics Competencies for Nurses
- Basic Computer Literacy
- Information Literacy
- Proficient Use of HIS/EHR
- Understanding Data Standards
08 Future Trends in Nursing Informatics
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
- Big Data Analytics
- Mobile Health (mHealth)
- Genomics & Personalized Medicine
A selection of key texts and resources cited in this course unit.
- Englebardt, S. P., & Nelson R. (2002). Healthcare informatics . Missouri: Mosby.
- Herda, T., Car, P., & Mascala, C. (2005). Handbook of informatics for nurses and health care professionals . Prentice-Hall.
- Saba, V. K., & McCormick, K. A. (Eds.). (2015). Essentials of nursing informatics (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (6th ed.). Pearson.
09 Nursing Uganda Clinical Lens
Use Definition and Scope as a practical nursing topic, not only a memorized definition. Translate theory into safe decisions, accountability, communication and service improvement.
- What to understand first: define definition and scope, identify the normal or expected pattern, then explain what changes when the patient is unwell.
- Why it matters in care: the nurse must recognize risk early, explain findings clearly, document accurately and know when to escalate.
- How to revise it: connect each point to assessment, nursing diagnosis or care problem, intervention, rationale and evaluation.
10 Assessment Guide
- The problem, stakeholders, available resources, policy requirements and ethical issues.
- Risks to patients, staff, confidentiality, quality, costs and continuity.
- Documentation, reporting lines, supervision and evaluation measures.
11 Nursing Priorities, Rationales and Outcomes
- Use evidence, policy and professional standards to guide action.
- Communicate clearly, document decisions and protect confidentiality.
- Evaluate whether the action improves safety, learning or service delivery.
The rationale for these priorities is patient safety: nursing actions should prevent deterioration, reduce discomfort, support recovery and create clear evidence for the next caregiver.
- Expected outcome: The plan is documented, realistic, ethical and improves patient care or learning outcomes.
12 Patient Teaching and Revision Check
- Explain definition and scope in simple language the patient or caregiver can repeat back.
- Teach warning signs, medicine or follow-up instructions, hygiene or lifestyle points where relevant.
- For exams, prepare a short answer using: definition, causes or risk factors, signs, assessment, management, complications and prevention.
- For ward practice, document baseline findings, actions taken, patient response and the plan for review.
Illustrations and Diagrams (6)
Related Video Lectures
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