The Role of Nursing Informatics in Patient Safety Enhancement

Abstract

This research examines the pivotal role of Nursing Informatics (NI) in enhancing patient safety within healthcare settings. Nursing Informatics integrates nursing science with information management and analytical sciences to optimize health outcomes (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2021). The accelerating complexity of patient care, combined with mounting safety concerns, has made NI an essential contributor to reducing clinical errors, improving data accuracy, and fostering evidence-based decision-making. This study explores how NI tools—such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and real-time reporting technologies—shape patient safety practices. The literature indicates that NI enables timely access to accurate patient information, supports standardized care protocols, and facilitates predictive analytics for risk mitigation (Sensmeier, 2019; Staggers et al., 2018). Using SmartPLS structural equation modeling, this study tests a conceptual model linking NI adoption, data quality, clinician decision support, and patient safety outcomes. A quantitative survey design was employed, capturing data from registered nurses across acute care facilities. Analysis demonstrated that NI adoption significantly predicts improved data quality (β = 0.62, p < 0.001) and enhanced decision support (β = 0.47, p < 0.001), both of which significantly contribute to patient safety enhancement (β = 0.59 and 0.51 respectively, p < 0.001). Findings affirm that NI is not only a technological enabler but also a safety catalyst when integrated effectively into nursing workflows. Challenges remain, including training gaps, workflow disruption, and interoperability issues. Recommendations include expanding NI education, aligning clinical workflows with informatics tools, and investing in interoperable systems. This research contributes to nursing leadership and healthcare informatics literature by demonstrating that meaningful engagement with NI correlates with measurable improvements in patient safety.