Exploring Australian nursing and midwifery informatics roles: A scoping review

IF 1.6 4区医学 Q2 NURSING

Collegian Pub Date : 2025-02-06 DOI:10.1016/j.colegn.2025.01.002

Rebecca M. Jedwab , Tanya G. Langtree , Kate C. LoPresti , Aaron J. Jones , Naomi Dobroff

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Digital health technologies are changing the context of nursing and midwifery practice. There are varying degrees of knowledge and adoption of digital health technologies in Australian healthcare systems. While nursing and midwifery informatics is an emerging specialty within Australia, little is known about the scope, roles, and benefits of informatics roles in Australia.

Review question

What are the scope, responsibilities, benefits, and limitations of nursing and midwifery informatics roles throughout Australia?

Methods

A scoping review was used to address the review question, and the mixed-methods appraisal tool was used to guide generalisability and interpretation of included records. Five healthcare and digital health databases, as well as grey literature, reference lists, and published resources related to nursing and midwifery informatics between 2010 and 2024 were searched.

Findings

Four records were identified that partially addressed the review question. The scope, roles, and responsibilities of nursing and midwifery informaticians remain poorly understood.

Discussion

Nurses and midwives need further education about digital health technologies and their place in an ever-changing work environment. Professional development activities that enhance understanding about digital health and informatics would be beneficial to address this gap, regardless of nurses’ and midwives’ current educational level or role. A standardised approach to defining Australian nursing and midwifery informatics, including the scope, roles, and responsibilities of informaticians, would support better understanding, applicability, and usability within the workforce.

Conclusion

Despite literature supporting the need for dedicated nursing and midwifery informatics roles, the evidence and value of these roles are yet to be defined and quantified.

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来源期刊

Collegian NURSING-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

127

审稿时长

72 days

期刊介绍： Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research is the official journal of Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The journal aims to reflect the broad interests of nurses and the nursing profession, and to challenge nurses on emerging areas of interest. It publishes research articles and scholarly discussion of nursing practice, policy and professional issues. Papers published in the journal are peer reviewed by a double blind process using reviewers who meet high standards of academic and clinical expertise. Invited papers that contribute to nursing knowledge and debate are published at the discretion of the Editor. The journal, online only from 2016, is available to members of ACN and also by separate subscription. ACN believes that each and every nurse in Australia should have the opportunity to grow their career through quality education, and further our profession through representation. ACN is the voice of influence, providing the nursing expertise and experience required when government and key stakeholders are deciding the future of health.