The Essence and Role of Nurses in the Future of Biomedical and Health Informatics

Abstract

<p>The whole healthcare system is evolving fast due to environmental pressure related to pandemics, climate change, personnel shortages, and financial limitations, to name but a few. Nurses are central actors in the sustainability of healthcare systems. Rapid technological development can support innovative means for holistic and applied critical thinking to improve healthcare delivery based on the uniqueness of nursing. Nurses need to develop adaptive and scientific skills regarding technologies and develop and apply these for better use of “smart” systems in care delivery. The paradigm shift in nursing roles will impact all levels of care, from primary to specialized care, all age groups, from newborn to elderly care, as well as all domains, such as preventive, reparative, rehabilitation, and palliative care. The impact of technologies on human behavior addresses human- factors interaction, computer interaction, and other effects of technologies on wellbeing, including but not limited to robots and artificial intelligence -based assisting nursing deliveries. Nursing competencies need to be developed at all levels of education to prepare a mindset and culture of the healthcare workforce in a digital health system. Gamification and simulation as educational tools help prepare educators to educate healthcare clinicians and researchers who become key mediators between technologies and practice.</p>