COMPETENCIES

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©2014 Chamberlain College of Nursing, LLC. All rights reserved

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Dee McGonigle, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, ANEF Kathleen Hunter, PhD, RN-BC, CNE Chamberlain College of Nursing

Toni Hebda, PhD, RN, CNE Taryn Hill, PhD, RN

Dear Informatics Nurse,

Thank you for your participation in Chamberlain College of Nursing’s pilot test of an instrument for self-assessment of nursing-informatics (NI) competencies. This instrument has 4 parts: questions about you (demographics) and the self- assessment, consisting of: computer skills, informatics knowledge and informatics skills. There are a total of 178 items in the self-assessment portion.

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility, usability, reliability, validity and item performance of the instrument currently known as Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment – Level 3/Level 4 (NICA L3/L4). All data collected will be kept confidential. Tracing of Internet connections will not be conducted. Data reporting will be at the aggregate level.

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chamberlain College of Nursing. Chamberlain College of Nursing is hosting the online presence of the questionnaire and providing support for statistical analysis.

Continuation beyond this page of the study instrument constitutes your agreement to participate in this study.

Please respond to each item. Do not skip any items. Use the comment spaces to share your thoughts on item wording and the need for additional items or items that you think should be removed.

Thank you,

Dee McGonigle, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, ANEF Kathy Hunter, PhD, RN-BC, CNE

Toni Hebda, PhD, RN, CNE Taryn Hill, PhD, RN

Permission is granted by Chamberlain College of Nursing for non-commercial use of the Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment – Level 3/Level 4 (NICA L3/L4) in the context of research or practice, provided credit is given as noted below. The wording of the introductory paragraph above should be changed to reflect the situation in which the tool is used. The wording and order of the questionnaire items may not be changed.

Acknowledgement of this work must include:

· Dee M. McGonigle, Kathleen M. Hunter, Toni L. Hebda and Taryn Hill

· Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment – Level 3/Level 4 (NICA L3/L4): The development and implementation of an online tool for self-assessment (2013)

Below are a series of demographic questions for your completion. Please respond to each item.

Age

19-21	22-25	26-30	21-35	36-40	41-45
46-50	51-55	56-60	61-65	66-70	70+

Gender

Male Female

RN

Yes No

Highest Education Preparation

Diploma in nursing	Associate degree in nursing	Other associate degree	BSN	Other baccalaureate degree
Master’s degree in nursing	Other master’s degree	ND	DNS	DSN
DNSc	DScN	PhD	DNP	Other Doctorate

Length of Practice in Informatics

0	1 week – 6 months	6 – 12 months	13 – 23 months	2 – 3 years
4 – 5 years	6 – 10 years	11 – 15 years	16 – 20 years	21 – 25 years
26 – 30 years	31 – 35 years	26 – 40 years

Board Certification in Nursing Informatics

Yes No

Other Certification in Informatics

Yes No

Job Description (please do not abbreviate)

Job Title (please do not abbreviate)

How to Complete this Self-Assessment

This instrument is divided into the key dimensions, or core competencies, of Nursing Informatics (NI) practice and assesses 178 perceived competencies in

three areas or categories: computer skills (13 items), informatics knowledge (56 items) and informatics skills (109 items). Please take your time when completing this self-assessment.

Reflect on each competency. Read each one, “As an informatics nurse, I can…” and determine your level of competency (Expert, Proficient, Comfortable or Beginner/NA) based on your ability to exhibit the behavior or perform the skill.

· Beginner / N/A level reflects that you are unaware of or have limited knowledge and/or skills

· Comfortable level relates to easy association with the information, knowledge or skill necessary to be able to function with ease and able to use your judgment to problem solve, infer and interpret

· Proficient level denotes that you are informatics competent, well-advanced, and fluent in your ability to bilingually address nursing and IT; able to analyze and synthesize data, information and knowledge into wisdom to inter-professionally guide other healthcare team members

· Expert level reflects extraordinary or exceptional proficiency that progresses the data, information, knowledge and wisdom pathway to intuition; the breadth of your experience provides the ability to assess the context of each situation intuitively and respond and perform appropriately

Please select only one competency level for each item based on your perceived ability. There are no right or wrong responses.

1. Computer Skills

Please select one competency level for each item. There are no right or wrong responses.

1. General Computer Skills

I rate my competence in each of the following activities as:

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

1.1.1 Develop or modify spreadsheets used for complex problems

1.1.2 Write macros or shortcuts for spreadsheets

1.1.3 Create queries for a database

1.1.4 Run reports from a database

1.1.5 Manage projects with project-management software

2. Systems

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

1.2.1 Integrate different applications or programs

1.2.2 Use utility programs for data recovery and system-performance indices

1.2.3 Support research efforts through the use of specific types of software (for example, statistical or qualitative data management software)

1.2.4 Determine the impact of electronic information management on leadership roles

1.2.5 Utilize pattern recognition technologies for mathematical analysis

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3. Quality Improvement

1.3.1 Collect data to monitor quality and effectiveness of nursing informatics practice

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

1.3.2 Determine data indicators used to monitor quality and effectiveness of nursing informatics practice

1.3.3 Determine aspects of nursing informatics practice important for quality monitoring

2. Informatics Knowledge

1. Data

I rate my competence in each of the following activities as:

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.1.1 Demonstrate fluency in informatics and nursing terminologies

2.1.2 Recognize the capacity for data aggregation and integration

2.1.3 Teach nurses to find, retrieve and evaluate information

2. Education

2.2.1 Implement and evaluate application/system training programs for users and clients

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.2.2 Develop and plan application/system training programs

2.2.3 Construct guidelines for the purchase of software and hardware

2.2.4 Participate with practicing nurses, nurse administrators and nurse researchers to define and develop new computer competencies

2.2.5 Teach users/clients about effective and ethical uses of applications and systems

2.2.6 Serve as an informational resource person for applications and systems

2.2.7 Assist with and support others engaging in social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to benefit the patient

3. Impact

2.3.1 Determine the impact of computerized information management on leadership roles through program evaluation

2.3.2 Interpret current legislation, research and economics affecting computerized information management in healthcare

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.3.3 Assess current capabilities and limitations of technology

2.3.4 Determine projected impacts to users and organizations when changing to computerized information management

2.3.5 Assess the social, legal and ethical impacts of computerized information management

2.3.6 Determine the limitations and reliability of computerized patient-monitoring systems

2.3.7 Apply strategies for change management to ensure satisfied and productive users

2.3.8 Determine the impact of information-management technologies on therapeutic outcomes and quality of care

2.3.9 Interpret the benefits and risks of computerized information management

2.3.10 Interpret research findings about the impact of computerized information management on clinical practice, education, administration and/or research

2.3.11 Analyze the impacts of information-management technologies on time allocation and tasks of care

2.3.12 Participate with and adhere to IRB regulations for patient safety

2.3.13 Assist in developing clinical practice environments that support the knowledge work of nurses

2.3.14 Assess clinical workflow

2.3.15 Support and maintain clinical workflow

4. Privacy/Security

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.4.1 Interpret copyright issues and plagiarism in this knowledge era

2.4.2 Assess features, capabilities and scope of user passwords

2.4.3 Differentiate issues surrounding confidentiality in computerized information management

2.4.4 Participate with and adhere to IRB regulations for data/IT security

5. Informatics Knowledge - Regulations

2.5.1 Incorporate relevant law and regulations into informatics practice, such as the HITECH Act

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.5.2 Support adhering to ADA technology accessibility guidelines

6. Systems

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.6.1 Explain various input and output devices

2.6.2 Apply theories that influence computerization in healthcare

2.6.3 Describe computer fundamentals (hardware, software, networks, data communications)

2.6.4 Project healthcare computing trends in nursing

2.6.5 Evaluate applications/systems available in healthcare

2.6.6 Interpret capabilities and limitations of hardware and interfaces and their relationship to the outcomes of healthcare computing

2.6.7 Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the applications/systems currently in use

2.6.8 Construct resources to support users

2.6.9 Describe general knowledge and terminology of computer, information and cognitive sciences

2.6.10 Recognize viruses and other system risks

2.6.11 Devise strategies to involve clinicians in the design, selection, implementation and evaluation of applications and systems

in healthcare

2.6.12 Assess current applications available to support clinical care

2.6.13 Describe concepts of telehealth/telenursing and the Internet and their relationship to nursing

2.6.14 Analyze point-of-care terminals and associated issues, such as use in sterile environments

2.6.15 Interpret the current and projected future state of physiological monitoring

7. Usability

2.7.1 Analyze the ergonomics, health and safety aspects of the work station and its location

2.7.2 Apply human factors and ergonomics to the design of the computer screen, location and design of devices, and design of software

2.7.3 Use cognitive science principles and artificial intelligence theories to participate in the design of technology appropriate to the cognitive abilities of the user

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.7.4 Develop algorithms for clinical decision support in nursing practice

8. Data Mining

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

2.8.1 Appreciate the value of data mining techniques

2.8.2 Utilize data mining to predict future uses and trends

2.8.3 Utilize data mining to describe patterns within a data set

2.8.4 Utilize statistics to provide complete analysis patterns within a data set

2.8.5 Utilize data mining to provide informed decision making

2.8.6 Utilize data mining to provide quality data metrics for proposed practice change

3. Informatics Skills

1. Analysis

I rate my competence in each of the following activities as:

3.1.1 Develop and implement work plans during application development and implementation

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.1.2 Construct data elements appropriate to a given practice context

3.1.3 Apply principles and techniques of systems analysis

3.1.4 Apply principles of computing (e.g., reading an algorithm)

3.1.5 Analyze user areas to determine procedural errors versus hardware and software problems

3.1.6 Interpret information flow within the organization

3.1.7 Modify existing applications/devices to meet changing requirements

3.1.8 Conduct feasibility assessments throughout the information systems life cycle

3.1.9 Prepare process flow charts to describe current and proposed information flows for all aspects of practice-related information systems

3.1.10 Determine problems and impediments in installing computerized information management

3.1.11 Understands and can retrieve information using data mining

2. Data/Data Structures

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.2.1 Construct data structures and maintains data sets

3.2.2 Apply data structure concepts in designing a database syste m

3.2.3 Determine relationships among tables in databases and performs tasks such as database normalization

3.2.4 Integrate nursing taxonomies, unified nomenclatures and other data needed by nurses within database design

3.2.5 Develop procedures to establish and maintain the validity and integrity of data and databases

3.2.6 Modify available software programs to support data aggregation and analyses

3. Design/Development

3.3.1 Develop screen layouts, report formats and custom views of clinical data through working directly with clinical departments and individual users

3.3.2 Consult in the design or enhancements to integrated patient information, management, educational or research systems

3.3.3 Participate in the development of new methods or in making modifications to improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of data storage and its communication

3.3.4 Coordinate the development of integrated computer-based patient record technologies

3.3.5 Maintain a database (e.g., adding, deleting fields, structuring input for others, relational database)

3.3.6 Incorporate established data and database management standards into database design

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.3.7 Participate in the development of new tools for management purposes

3.3.8 Develop methods of data communication, hardware and software integration and data transformation

3.3.9 Develop database structures to support clinical care, education, administration or research

3.3.10 Apply concepts of nursing theory and research to the design of health information applications and systems

3.3.11 Develop databases to facilitate clinical care, education, administration or research

3.3.12 Develop new ways to interact with information technology and access data

3.3.13 Assist in the development of computer applications to meet clinical, education, administration and research requirements

3.3.14 Evaluate existing technologies for cost-effectiveness

3.3.15 Evaluate data storage capacities of the system in use

3.3.16 Evaluate hardware, software and vendor support

3.3.17 Participate on interdisciplinary teams that evaluate nursing-informatics practice or health informatics services

3.3.18 Use a variety of analytical tools to assess the systems in use

3.3.19 Analyze the system in use through internal environment scanning

4. Fiscal Management

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.4.1 Develop strategies to obtain funding for information systems

3.4.2 Use strategies to optimize application use after implementation (benefits realization)

3.4.3 Participate in budget activities for the procurement and maintenance of the system

3.4.4 Determine the cost versus benefit of computer technology used in practice, education, administration and/or research

3.4.5 Conduct return on investment (ROI) analysis regarding the use of IT systems

5. Implementation

3.5.1 Lead or participate in user groups during all phases of the systems life cycle

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.5.2 Devise strategies for installing applications/systems

3.5.3 Develop implementation plans

3.5.4 Distinguish implementation phases (i.e., pre-implementation, implementation, post-implementation)

3.5.5 Apply appropriate implementation strategies

3.5.6 Recognize opportunities for applying information management technologies to clinical practice, education, administration and/or research situations

3.5.7 Devise strategies to encourage interdisciplinary use of computerized information management

6. Management

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.6.1 Function as a project manager

3.6.2 Manage terms and conditions of a contract with an information-systems vendor

3.6.3 Develop a plan for limited resources (e.g., costs, staffing, equipment)

3.6.4 Determine project scope, objectives, and resources for each proposed application, system or enhancement

3.6.5 Develop system testing, implementation, conversion and backup plans

3.6.6 Develop a strategic or long-range plan for the management of applications and systems

3.6.7 Develop policies, procedures and guidelines based on research

3.6.8 Develop policies and procedures related to information-systems implementation, use and maintenance

3.6.9 Escalate client issues and problems to the next available level of management in a timely manner

3.6.10 Communicate progress of the project to appropriate personnel

3.6.11 Apply principles and concepts of project management

3.6.12 Develop policies related to privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient and client data

3.6.13 Recommend procedures for achieving data integrity and security

7. Programming

3.7.1 Apply principles of computer programming in order to communicate with software developers

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.7.2 Differentiate between machine and high-level programming languages

8. Requirements

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.8.1 Determine priorities for new requirements within budget constraints

3.8.2 Modify information technologies to meet changing data requirements/needs

3.8.3 Determine new requirements according to the needs of the organization

3.8.4 Demonstrate skills in the systems life cycle to support policies, procedures and knowledge bases in organizations

3.8.5 Include client needs in requirements development

3.8.6 Develop requirements for integrated clinical, education, administration and/or research applications

3.8.7 Communicate informatics needs to a systems analyst

3.8.8 Perform needs assessment for future requirements

9. Role

3.9.1 Influence change to improve the impact of informatics on the system of care

3.9.2 Design strategies to manage the impact of change to information-systems implementation

3.9.3 Consult with clinical, managerial, educational and/or research entities regarding informatics

3.9.4 Develop collegial relationships with information system technical support personnel

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.9.5 Serve as a liaison among agency departments and vendors

3.9.6 Collaborate with nursing personnel and interdisciplinary teams to accomplish information management work

3.9.7 Promote understanding and effective use of information technology

3.9.8 Make formal presentations of project findings, recommendations, and specifications to user/client department managers, supervisors and/or administrators

3.9.9 Recommend changes in health informatics practice based upon evaluation data from nursing informatics (e.g., a validated severity-of- illness instrument)

3.9.10 Recommend policies and procedures to improve the quality of nursing- informatics practice

3.9.11 Implement activities to enhance the quality of nursing-informatics practice

3.9.12 Develop recommendations to improve nursing-informatics practice or outcomes

3.9.13 Act as a liaison to support communication among providers, patient/ client and technical communities

3.9.14 Use software tools as appropriate during the systems life cycle

3.9.15 Apply knowledge of patient-care processes to systems and their life cycles

3.9.16 Maintain a system perspective that encompasses the entire organization

3.9.17 Integrate knowledge from other informatics disciplines with nursing to improve patient care, administration, education and/or research

3.9.18 Participate in top-level decisions and policy design that impact clinical information management

3.9.19 Conduct research to examine impacts of computer technology in nursing

3.9.20 Conduct research to determine application needs in clinical care, education, administration and research

3.9.21 Conduct research in informatics

3.9.22 Disseminate new knowledge by informing colleagues of new developments and applications in nursing or healthcare informatics

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.9.23 Contribute to informatics education of students, peers and colleagues

3.9.24 Analyze information to generate new knowledge

3.9.25 Consult with clinical, managerial, educational and/or research entities about informatics

10. Systems Maintenance

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.10.1 Assist in the resolution of basic software problems

3.10.2 Perform complex trouble-shooting in applications

3.10.3 Recommend solutions to application-specific problems

3.10.4 Maintain the data dictionary and other technical-support elements

11. System Selection

3.11.1 Design evaluation criteria and strategies for selecting applications and systems

3.11.2 Apply ergonomics principles in the selection and use of information- management technologies

3.11.3 Participate with others in selecting applications or systems (e.g., users, vendors, system designers)

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

12. Testing

3.12.1 Develop procedures and scenarios for acceptance testing, conversions and interface testing

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.12.2 Conduct tests of information-management applications, systems

13. Training

Expert Proficient Comfortable Beginner/ NA

3.13.1 Produce short-term and long-term training plans

3.13.2 Produce training materials and operating manuals tailored to the organization and end-user

3.13.3 Deliver user-training programs

3.13.4 Evaluate user-training programs

Please write any comments or suggestions you have about these items, considering the following issues and others that come to mind:

Length of survey

Design

Wording of items

Items to add

Items needing to be removed