1. Introduction
Nursing informatics has become a critical competency in modern healthcare systems. With the increasing reliance on information technology (IT) for patient care, documentation, and decision-making, nurses must possess informatics skills to ensure safe, efficient, and evidence-based practice.
Farzandipour et al. (2021) conducted a study to design a national model for assessing nursing informatics competency in Iran. Their work provides a structured framework for evaluating nurses’ informatics skills, ensuring alignment with healthcare needs and international standards.
2. Background
Nursing Informatics Definition: Integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice.
Global Need: As electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and clinical decision support systems expand, nurses must adapt to digital tools.
Gap Identified: Despite the importance of informatics, many countries lack standardized models for assessing nursing informatics competency.
3. Objectives of the Study
To design a psychometric instrument for assessing nursing informatics competency.
To ensure the model reflects national healthcare priorities while aligning with international frameworks.
To validate the model through structural equation modeling (SEM) and statistical analysis.
4. Methodology
4.1 Study Design
Type: Cross-sectional research.
Participants: 200 nurses from educational care centers in Iran.
Sampling: Simple random sampling.
4.2 Instrument Development
Review of existing scientific resources and assessment tools.
Drafting of questionnaire items based on literature and expert input.
Validation through factor analysis and structural equation modeling.
4.3 Data Analysis
Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha used to test internal consistency.
Validity: Content validity index (CVI) and construct validity assessed.
SEM: Used to confirm the measurement model.
5. Components of Nursing Informatics Competency
Farzandipour et al. identified three main domains of competency:
5.1 Computer Skills
Basic IT literacy (hardware, software, operating systems).
Use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Internet navigation and email communication.
5.2 Informatics Knowledge
Understanding of health information systems (HIS).
Knowledge of EHRs, clinical decision support, and telemedicine.
Awareness of data security, privacy, and ethical issues.
5.3 Informatics Skills in Nursing Practice
Applying informatics tools in patient care.
Using HIS for documentation and reporting.
Employing decision support systems for clinical judgment.
Integrating evidence-based practice with informatics tools.
6. The National Model
The final model proposed by Farzandipour et al. includes three hierarchical levels:
Basic Competency: General computer literacy.
Intermediate Competency: Knowledge of informatics concepts and systems.
Advanced Competency: Application of informatics in clinical decision-making and patient care.
This tiered approach ensures progressive development of skills, from foundational IT literacy to advanced clinical informatics expertise.
7. Validation of the Model
Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8, indicating strong internal consistency.
Construct Validity: Confirmed through factor analysis.
Model Fit: SEM results showed acceptable fit indices (CFI, RMSEA).
8. Implications for Nursing Practice
Education: Nursing curricula must integrate informatics training at all levels.
Policy: National health systems should adopt standardized competency models.
Professional Development: Continuous training programs for nurses to update informatics skills.
Quality of Care: Competent use of informatics improves patient safety, documentation accuracy, and clinical outcomes.
9. Comparison with International Frameworks
American Nurses Association (ANA): Defines nursing informatics as a specialty integrating nursing, computer, and information science.
European Models: Emphasize EHR use, interoperability, and patient-centered informatics.
Farzandipour’s Model: Aligns with global standards but tailored to national healthcare needs in Iran.
10. Strengths of the Study
Comprehensive literature review.
Large sample size (200 nurses).
Rigorous statistical validation (SEM).
Practical applicability in national healthcare systems.
11. Limitations
Conducted in Iran; generalizability may be limited.
Focused on educational care centers; may not reflect all healthcare settings.
Rapid technological changes may require periodic updates to the model.
12. Future Directions
Expansion to other healthcare contexts (primary care, community health).
Integration with global informatics competency frameworks.
Development of e-learning modules based on the model.
Longitudinal studies to assess impact on patient outcomes.
13. Conclusion
Farzandipour et al. (2021) provide a validated national model for assessing nursing informatics competency. The model emphasizes computer literacy, informatics knowledge, and practical application in nursing care. Adoption of such frameworks can enhance nursing education, improve healthcare delivery, and align national systems with global informatics standards.
Quiz: Nursing Informatics Competency (Farzandipour et al., 2021)
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
What was the main objective of Farzandipour et al.’s study?
A) To design a nursing curriculum
B) To assess nursing informatics competency
C) To evaluate patient satisfaction
D) To develop new software
How many nurses participated in the study?
A) 100
B) 150
C) 200
D) 250
Which sampling method was used?
A) Stratified sampling
B) Cluster sampling
C) Simple random sampling
D) Convenience sampling
What statistical method validated the model?
A) Regression analysis
B) Structural equation modeling (SEM)
C) ANOVA
D) Chi-square test
Which domain includes basic IT literacy?
A) Informatics knowledge
B) Computer skills
C) Nursing practice skills
D) Policy development
What does the Difference Principle relate to?
A) Patient safety
B) Economic inequality
C) Nursing informatics
D) None of the above
Which competency involves applying HIS in patient care?
A) Computer skills
B) Informatics knowledge
C) Informatics skills in nursing practice
D) Policy skills
What was Cronbach’s alpha value?
A) 0.8
D) >0.9
Which principle emphasizes experiential knowledge?
A) CRT
B) Rawlsian theory
C) Nursing informatics
D) None
Which organization defines nursing informatics as a specialty?
A) WHO
B) ANA
C) UNESCO
D) ICN
Which of the following is NOT a limitation of the study?
A) Conducted in Iran
B) Focused on educational centers
C) Large sample size
D) Rapid tech changes
Which competency level involves advanced clinical decision-making?
A) Basic
B) Intermediate
C) Advanced
D) None
What is the role of informatics in nursing practice?
A) Entertainment
B) Patient care documentation and decision support
C) Financial management
D) Marketing
Which global framework does the model align with?
A) European models
B) ANA standards
C) Both A and B
D) None
What is the ultimate goal of nursing informatics competency?
A) Improve patient safety and care quality
B) Reduce nurse workload only
C) Replace doctors
D) Eliminate paperwork