Introduction to Cindy's Nursing Corner

Hi! 

Welcome to Cindy's Nursing Corner. This blog is written to store my thoughts and feelings in response to nursing related topics, discussions, and the materials brought up in my Health Informatics and other nursing courses. At the beginning of each blog, I will specify which course has inspired me to reflect on current or past event(s).

What is Health Informatics?
To my understanding, health informatics is an evolving process that utilizes technology to communicate health care issues worldwide. It can be found on the Internet, television, radio, or even in a health care setting. For instance, people can type their medical concerns on search engines online; watch TV or listen to the radio for news related to health and wellness; healthcare providers can document on electronic health or medical records.
  
I will now explain what I think the advantages and disadvantages of health informatics are: 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Information can be spread worldwide and that will enable individuals to seek and understand more about health related events and news.	Information online can sometimes be exaggerated or misleading. This may cause individuals to self diagnose.
Information can be stored and easily assessed.	Information can be deleted or leaked out (this may cause a breach of confidentiality).
There will be less paperwork and shorter waiting times when the health care provider documents the client's information.	Since the health care provider will be documenting on a technological device, he/she may seem inattentive and less caring towards his/her client.
It is a faster and more efficient form of communication between health care providers and their clients.	The server may be down or the power may be cut off, which will prevent an individual from entering data.

How will Health Informatics Influence me?
Since health informatics is becoming more accepted into the health care industry, I believe that the advantages will soon outweigh the disadvantages. Health informatics can influence me to connect and communicate with other health care professionals, document easier and faster, and provide client-center care in a professional manner such as e-mailing or calling. 

What do I hope to gain from blogging? 
The purpose of this blog is to reflect on my past experiences and thoughts, and to compare how my perspective has changed over the course of this blogging experience. I also hope to understand and gain new insights regarding health informatics. I believe that this Health Informatics course and other resources will help me adopt and effectively use health informatics related technologies.

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope that it will inspire you to discover how health informatics can influence your life as it will influence mine!