The use of information technology had helped reduce the redundancy of information witnessed when healthcare informatics relied on analog means. Previously, health records were taken at the reception and later during treatment by the various medical teams that handled them. The incorporation of information technology means that the data collected by a receptionist is available for the doctors; hence no need to retake it.
Healthcare professionals who handle a patient are only required to modify the information on the patient. Healthcare informatics has also reduced confusion that occurred due to dissonance in the data provided by the patients to various healthcare professionals. The information provided is accurate and ensures effective coordination in the care of patients and minimal collisions with external partners such as the government and insurers.
The role of nurses with an interdisciplinary team has been significantly improved by the adoption of information technology in healthcare informatics. Their responsibilities have been lessened with reduced need to keep loads of paperwork on patient records. The nurses can now locate the patient records with the click of a button on a computer, saving them time and enabling them to provide care for more patients. With harmonized patient information, nurses are more capable of ensuring better outcomes for their patients, as required by their oath and commitment to duty.
Nurses can guarantee patient privacy, as required by their professional code of conduct. The use of information technology in a harmonized system ensures the safety of patient data by minimizing unauthorized access, making nurses custodians of this information. The role of nurses in ensuring they empower their patients to better care for themselves is also improved by information technology through harmonized analysis and guidance.