Theories in Nursing Informatics

A.   CHANGE THEORIES

Ø Computerization of information system involves change, moving from paper-based environment to a completely paperless environment. Change may be unplanned or planned.

1.     Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory (unplanned change)

·        Examines the pattern of acceptance that innovations follow as they spread across the population of people who adopt it. This are divided into 5 categories:

§  Innovators (2.5%) – They readily adopt the innovation.

§  Early Adopters (13.5%) – They are respectable opinion leaders.

§  Early Majority (34%) – They are averse to risk of the innovation but are willing to make safe investments.

§  Late Majority (34%) – Adopt Innovation.

§  Laggards (16%) – They are suspicious about innovation and change and are very stubborn.

2.     Lewin’s Change Theory (planned change)

Ø It occurs in 3 stages:

§  Unfreezing – That reinforces an individual’s involvement in the change.

§  Moving – Planned change in implemented where anxieties are high that has to be dealt with.

§  Refreezing – Change becomes the norm.

B.   INFORMATION THEORIES

1.     Blum’s Theory

Ø One where data is processed, another group where information is processed and another one where knowledge is processed.

2.     Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom Continuum

Ø Information has various levels of complexity depending on how much interaction is done to attain it.

§  Data are elements that are uninterpreted.

§  Information are comprises interpreted data based on one’s capacities, attitude and behavior.

§  Knowledge is an organized collection of information

§  Wisdom considered the use of ethical, moral, personal, social, cultural, religious, political and other values.

C.   COGNITIVE THEORIES

Ø Includes mental models, skill acquisitions, perceptions, and problem solving that adds understanding.