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Nursing Informatics Needs Assessment: Are Distance Programs NeededArticle by Nesler, Sopczyk, Cummings, and
Fortunato
Helayne Sweet, HSCI740
Needs Being Evaluated
This article assesses nurses needs for deploying a distance-learning system for nursing informatics - Looks as Master’s degrees vs. Certificate programs - Considers perspective of nursing graduates (bachelor of
science), ANA, individuals attending an annual continuing education computer conference
Look at interest and skill level of potential students (including internet use and computer access, availability of faculty (although did not elaborate on this point), availability of related programs
Process for evaluating needs/requirements Primary methodology for collecting needs was
polling/surveying various representative groups - no first hand observation (otj performance of nurses with
certificate or masters degrees vs. those without) - focused on information needed vs. best decisions for
healthcare organization Looked at personal goals, did not discuss organizational
goals Author’s conclusions based on various survey
results indicated strong perceived need for distance-based maters programs which included nursing informatics education. Suggested worthwhile endeavor.
Needs Assessment Approach in Comparison Needs Assessment lecture suggests focusing on needs vs.
wants with 4 step approach Identify future issues
Invite panels, experts – article solicited from appropriate constituent groups, representative of cross populations to idnetify issues
Identify information needed for selected issues – several information aspects/questions were disregarded in this article; Cost to implement a distance learning program and nurses willingness to
bear cost Curriculum mapped to job requirements Likeliness of participating without promise for career promotion/salary
increase (e.g., just for betterment of organization), Improvement in performance at work (best decision for org. vs. individual) # of nurses within close proximity to other educational institutions that offer
education programs that accommodate nurses working schedules.
Distinguishing Between Needs and Wants Articles focus is on needs and wants of
individual – not organizational needs Doesn’t focus on strategic decisions for org.
as whole (e.g., best mix of skills, staff utilization and outcomes)
Discussion on Distance Learning – Needs/Wants How is distance learning a strategic decision
for a healthcare organization in relation to cost considerations?
What priorities would you have focused on in terms of items listed (e.g., # of nurses willing to bear cost?)