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DB 1: Foundational Literacies and Health Informatics
Development of technology-related literacies, concepts and ideas has become an
important part of healthcare that both providers and patients utilize for information and best
outcomes (Nelson & Staggers, 2018). Informatics is a fluid and ever-changing part of nursing
that links nursing and analytical disciplines to form a means of communication through tracking
health care data, interventions, outcomes, and quality of healthcare (Garcia-Dia, 2021). While
this is a discussion of one topic it is well understood that all of the literacies (basic, computer,
information, digital and health) overlap and are dependent upon one another for successful
patient care (Nelson & Staggers, 2018).
Health literacy is defined broadly as a means for individuals to obtain, convey and
understand information that will promote homeostasis. Health literacy goes beyond making
appointments and invites patients to actively partner with their providers (Nelson & Staggers,
2018). Healthy People 2030 goal, established by the U. S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), is to improve the health of all Americans and has designated health literacy as a
gatekeeper to see success with that objective. Previously Healthy People recognized the need for
individuals to have competence to comprehend their health information. Recently, Healthy
People has concentrated the concept of health literacy to include organizational responsibility in
matriculating the information to patients to help them grow in their health literacy (Brach &
Harris, 2021). The percentage of the population that uses technology is growing rapidly and
electronic health usage and comprehension correlates with that growth. When electronic health
information is utilized by both parties (healthcare team and patients) quality of care and meeting
patient needs increase favorably (Kritsotakis et al., 2021).
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While the focus of this discussion has been on the literacy of the patient there must be a
focus on nursing health literacy as well. As nurses are the biggest portion of patient education,
they must have an understanding and integrate it into their practice. This is an expansive matter
that doesn’t halt at assisting a patient with downloading an application but to also understand
how to incorporate evidence-based practice and develop changes where needed for the good of
the patient. Patient health and understanding is dependent on the nurse’s health literacy and
continuation to learn and grow in this field (Kritsotakis et al., 2021).
I Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us to “encourage one another and build each other up”
(NIV). God wants us to lift those around us, making them better. Helping a patient or another
nurse with health literacy will bring success to all and a much healthier outcome for our patients.
We all succeed when we help one another.
References
Brach, C., & Harris, L. M. (2021). Healthy people 2030 health literacy definition tells
organizations: Make information and services easy to find, understand, and use. Journal
of General Internal Medicine, 36(4), 1084–1085. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-
06384-y
Garcia-Dia, M. (2021). Nursing informatics. Nursing Management, 52(5), 56–56.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.numa.0000743444.08164.b4
Kritsotakis, G., Andreadaki, E., Linardakis, M., Manomenidis, G., Bellali, T., & Kostagiolas, P.
(2021). Nurses’ ehealth literacy and associations with the nursing practice environment.
International Nursing Review, 68(3), 365–371. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1111/inr.12650
