Informatics Theories

General System Theory

• General system theory:

is a method of thinking about
complex structures such as an
information system or an
organization .

A simplified description of systems

theory holds that any change in
one part of a system will be
reflected in other parts of the
system
Cont’
• In system theory ,the focus is on
interactions among the various
parts of the system instead of
regarding each individual part as
standing alone .
• It is based on the premise that
the whole is greater than the sum
of its parts and is the basis for
holistic nursing ( Walonick ).
Cont’
Systems are described as being either
open or closed.
• Open system :
continually exchanges information with
the environment outside the system.
• Closed system:
system receives no input from the
outside .
Cont’
Note:
This classification is more of a continuum
than an absolute . Few, if any systems ,
are 100% closed or 100% open.

• A perfect example of a system is a

computerized information system.
Chaos Theory
• Chaos theory was encountered by a
meteorologist ,Edward Lorenz in 1960
when attempting to predict the weather
with a set of 12 equations.
Chaos theory deals with the differences
in outcomes depending on conditions
at the starting point .
Cont’

• Chaos theory, like general systems

theory addresses an entire structure
without reducing it to the elements parts,
this make useful with complex systems
such as information systems.

• The idea behind this theory is that what

may appear to be chaotic actually has an
order ,it is based on the recognized fact
that events and phenomena depend on
initial conditions.
Cont’

• Chaos theory is nonlinear,

it allows us to seeing
things reframed as a
whole can stimulate new
thinking and new
approaches (Vincenzi,
1997).
Cont’

• Example :- the conditions where an

information system is first
envisioned will affect the overall
design.
Cognitive Science

• Cognitive Science is gaining more importance

in informatics. basically ,it is the study of the
mind and intelligence ( Thagard,2004) and How
this information can be applied.

• Cognitive theory can also aid an informatics

nurse specialist in understanding the
information processing done by a nurse in
decision making, thus facilitating the design of
tools to support these processes ( Staggers &
Thompson,2002 ).
 Usability

• Although usability has been a

problem long before computers, this
topic has become more visible with
advent of computer systems.

• It involves the ease of use ,users

satisfactions that they have
achieved their goals.
The five goals of usability
Easy for users to accomplish basic
tasks the 1st time they use the
product.
Once learned, the design permits users
quickly & easily perform the needed tasks.

If it is not used for a period of time , it is easy to

reestablish one’s proficiency in using the
product.

Users make very few errors , but any

that they do make are easily
remedied.

The design is pleasant to use.

Learning Theories

• Learning Theories are important in

informatics as well as in all nursing
endeavors . Users must be taught to
use system, and use of these
theories can decrease the time for
training as well as the time for
learning.
 Models
Of
Nursing
informa
-tics
Nursing informatics models:-

 GRAVES AND CORCORAN’S Model.

 Schiwiran’s Model.
 Turley’s Model.
 Data Information Knowledge (D-I-K )
Model.
 Benner’s Novice to Expert Model.
GRAVES AND CORCORAN’S MODEL (1989): 

• GRAVES AND CORCORAN’S MODEL (1989)

Nursing informatics as the linear
progression - from data into information
and knowledge Management processing
is integrated within each elements,
depicting nursing informatics as the
proper management of knowledge –
from data as it is converted into
information and knowledge
•  
Cont’

Management

Informatio
Data Knowledge
n
 SCHIWIRIAN’S MODEL (1986): 

• SCHIWIRIAN’S MODEL (1986)

Nursing informatics involves identification of
information needs, resolution of the needs,
and attainment of nursing goals/objectives
Patricia Schwirian – proposed a model
intended to stimulate and guide systematic
research in nursing informatics
Model/framework that enables identification
of significant information needs, that can
foster research (some what similar to
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs)
Cont’

Users

Technology

Raw Materials
(Nursing – related
informatics )
 Turley’s Model.

TURLEY’S MODEL (1996):

o Nursing informatics is the
intersection between the discipline-
specific science (nursing) and the area
of informatics.
o Core components of informatics:
- Cognitive science.
- Information science.
- Computer science.
 
DATA-INFORMATION-KNOWLEDGE MODEL: 

• DATA-INFORMATION-KNOWLEDGE
MODEL:
• NI is a specialty that integrates
nursing science, computer science and
information science to manage and
communicate data , information ,
knowledge and wisdom into nursing
practice (ANA)(American Nurses
Association)
Cont:’

Nursing informatics is an evolving,

dynamic process involving the
conversion of data into information,
and subsequently knowledge.
BENNER’S LEVEL OF EXPERTISE MODEL : 

BENNER’S LEVEL OF EXPERTISE

MODEL :
• Every nurse must be able to continuously
exhibit the capability to acquire skills (in
this case, computer literacy skills parallel
with nursing knowledge), and then
demonstrate specific skills beginning
with the very first student experience.
 
 Levels of Expertise (Benner): 

• Novice – individuals with no experience of

situations and related content in those situations
where they are expected to perform tasks

• Advanced Beginner – marginally demonstrate

acceptable performance having built on lessons
learned in their expanding experience base;
needs supervision

• Competent – enhanced mastery and the ability

to cope with and manage many contingencies
 
Cont:’
• Proficient – evolution through continuous practice
of skills, combined with professional experience and
knowledge; individual who appreciates standards of
practice as they apply in nursing informatics.

• Expert – individual with mastery of the concept

and capacity to intuitively understand the situation
and immediately target the problem with minimal
effort or problem solving.
 
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