Nursing informatics is essential in enhancing the effectiveness of nursing. Using statistics one can narrow down potential causes error or find the effectiveness of a process. In any area of nursing having a greater understanding of what is occurring and the effectiveness will only be beneficial. As a behavioral health nurse a common problem is the rate of readmission among the local homeless population. Having more comprehensive data on the population such as, where are they being discharged to or are these places successful at helping decrease the need for hospitalization could substantially decrease the rate of readmission. Though anecdotal in the single year of being a behavioral health nurse I have witnessed a substantial amount of patients come in for three or more stay because of acute psychosis because of a lack of treatment outside of the hospital. Having data on what are the most beneficial places to discharges patients to may have multiple outcomes. Hospital outreach may expand to the effective place and create a stronger partnership. Successful places may have successful interventions the hospital may be able to learn from and apply to their own inpatient stays. Additionally with this information less successful facilities may adapt to be more like successful ones. In a study about readmission rates after being discharged to a respite care facility it was found that there was roughly a 50% decrease in readmission rates within 90 days of discharge (Kertesz et al., 2009). An additional study of young homeless populations was able to identify key factors in identifying likelihood of readmission (Mackelprang et al., 2015.) Knowing a person will likely have to be readmitted because of their drug abuse for example may help identify that the hospital should use additional resources to help decrease the likelihood of this. The homeless population is among some of the most disenfranchised and are frequently undertreated for their ailments due to lack of resources. Having a greater understanding can only help in providing care and giving them the resources to succeed.

Nursing informatics is a crucial aspect of healthcare that involves the use of technology, information science, and data analysis to enhance the effectiveness of nursing practices. It plays a crucial role in improving patient care outcomes and promoting evidence-based practice. By utilizing statistics, nurses can effectively identify the potential causes of errors or evaluate the effectiveness of a particular process or intervention.

In any area of nursing, having a comprehensive understanding of what is happening and the effectiveness of interventions is highly beneficial. For example, as a behavioral health nurse, one common problem that is encountered is the high rate of readmission among the local homeless population. By having access to more comprehensive data about this population, such as where they are being discharged to and whether these places are successful in reducing the need for hospitalization, the rate of readmission can be significantly reduced.

From personal experience as a behavioral health nurse, I have observed a significant number of patients being readmitted multiple times due to acute psychosis, primarily because of a lack of adequate treatment and support outside of the hospital setting. By having data on the most effective places to discharge these patients to, several outcomes can be achieved. Firstly, the hospital can expand its outreach efforts to the successful facilities and establish stronger partnerships. Secondly, successful facilities can share their interventions and strategies with the hospital, enabling them to enhance their own inpatient stays. Lastly, facilities that are less successful in reducing readmissions can learn from the successful ones and make necessary adaptations to improve their outcomes.

For instance, a study conducted on readmission rates after discharging patients to a respite care facility demonstrated a 50% decrease in readmission rates within 90 days (Kertesz et al., 2009). Another study focused on young homeless populations and identified key factors that predict the likelihood of readmission (Mackelprang et al., 2015). By knowing that a person is likely to be readmitted due to drug abuse, for example, healthcare teams can allocate additional resources to address this issue and decrease the likelihood of readmission.

The homeless population is among the most marginalized and underserved communities, often facing inadequate access to healthcare resources. Having a greater understanding of their specific needs and challenges can significantly improve the provision of care and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed.

Nursing informatics plays a vital role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to the healthcare needs and outcomes of different populations. By utilizing statistics and data analysis techniques, nurses can identify trends, patterns, and potential areas for improvement in the delivery of healthcare services. In the case of the homeless population, having access to comprehensive data can help healthcare providers tailor interventions, allocate resources effectively, and collaborate with other community organizations to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population.

In conclusion, nursing informatics is instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of nursing practice, including identifying potential causes of errors and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By utilizing statistics and data analysis, nurses can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs and outcomes of different populations. In the case of the homeless population, having comprehensive data can lead to improved care delivery, reduced readmission rates, and the provision of necessary resources for success. Overall, nursing informatics is a valuable tool for promoting evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes.