Which of the following is NOT true about nursing informatics?

AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Health Information and Technology (Basic Computer)

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019

Explanation

Nursing informatics is fundamentally a multidisciplinary science, as it is defined as the integration of several distinct fields.
It explicitly combines nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage health data.
Therefore, the statement that it is 'not a multidisciplinary science practice' is a false statement and the correct answer to the 'NOT true' question.

Option B: This statement is true. Nursing informatics is a recognized specialty by organizations like the ANA, focusing specifically on applying information management and technology to nursing practice, education, and research.
Option C: This statement is true. While other definitions existed, the 1989 definition by Graves and Corcoran is widely cited and considered a foundational definition that synthesized the core components of the specialty.
Option D: This statement is true. 'Informatics' is a broad term for the science of information processing. Nursing informatics is a specialized application of informatics within the specific context of the nursing profession, with its own unique goals and challenges.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Definition and characteristics of Nursing Informatics helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding nursing informatics is crucial for modern nursing practice, as it underpins the use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems, and telehealth.
Competency in informatics helps nurses improve patient safety by reducing medication errors, enhancing interprofessional communication, and supporting evidence-based practice through easier access to information.
What if? If nursing informatics were not multidisciplinary and only involved nursing science, nurses would lack the structured frameworks from computer and information science needed to effectively manage large-scale health data, hindering the development of EHRs and data-driven quality improvements.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'NOT' in the question stem. This signals that three of the options are true statements about nursing informatics, and your task is to find the one false statement.
Recall the fundamental definition of nursing informatics. It is an integration of different fields.
Evaluate each option based on this core definition.
Option A states it is 'not multidisciplinary.' This directly contradicts the definition of nursing informatics as a blend of nursing, computer, and information sciences.
Confirm that the other options are true. Nursing informatics is indeed a nursing-specific specialty (B), Graves and Corcoran are key definers (C), and it is distinct from generic informatics (D).
Since Option A is the only false statement, it is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QJ-uJe6SVhCghShBDaiMa3

E6 Nursing_Management_and_leadership_Johny_Kutty_JosephCbs_Publishers (pp 16-364 of 374) p. 243-245

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 166-168