Nursing Informatics Theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nursing Informatics Theory - Research Paper Example This is in addition to their knowledge of the conceptual structure of nursing. Without doubt, it is crucial for nurses in nursing informatics to have knowledge about the different theories in this field and apply these in their nursing practice as a guide (Basavanthappa, 2007). Similarly, Baker (2007) notes that, for nursing informatics to be effective, the individuals involved must make use of both practical knowledge and the theoretical knowledge in this discipline. In nursing informatics, there are different theories which help to frame and inform this discipline. These include the â€Å"change theory, cybernetics theory, and the cognitive theory† (Baker, 2012, p. 153). All these theories support nursing informatics in different ways, and the nursing practitioners can combine the knowledge they acquire from these theories with what they obtain from their nursing practice to enhance their performance (Baker, 2012). Everett Rogers and Kurt Lewin, who had different approaches in the formulation of their theories, propagated the change theory. This essay will focus on the change theory and explain how this is relevant and applicable in the discipline of nursing informatics. In the change theories, it is considered that change is responsible for the computerization of information system. This is in comparison to the past centuries and the modern period, where nursing has evolved from a paper-based environment to one which is paperless; this is change. In addition, change that comes about in nursing can be planned or unplanned change, depending on the circumstances through which this change occurs. The two theorists of change, Rodgers and Lewin, addressed different types of change. While Rogers focused on both planned and unplanned change, Lewin addressed the planned change (Kaminski, 2011). Rogers named his theory of change as â€Å"diffusion of innovations† theory. Both Rogers’ theory and Lewin’s theory of change are categorized under behavioral theories. Everett Rodgers was a community health nurse and health educator who took considerable time studying and working on his theory. His theory is used to explain the process through which new information, concepts, and ideas are transferred from a different medium to another, and how these come to be incorporated into a belief system and become an adopted behavior in that system (Basavanthappa, 2007). According to Basavanthappa (2007), it is possible to use the term diffusion to refer to a kind of change which is spontaneous or unplanned, when a new idea is introduced in a belief system. However, Rogers used this term to refer to both the planned and unplanned change. â€Å"Diffusion is the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system† (Basavanthappa, 2007, pp. 222). In his theory, Rogers considers an innovation as a new idea, object, or a new practice. Therefore, the process of diffusion is mainly concerned with new ideas and how innovation is adopted in the system to become part of the system (Basavanthappa, 2007). In his theory, Rogers noted that diffusion is a two-way process, and not a one-way process. This is because, new ideas, products, or social practices, spread from one society to another. However, if diffusion will happen or not depends on the nature of the innovation. This includes how complex the innovation is, how compatible it is with the society meant to adopt it, as well as the