Paper details:
As a result of the fragmented nature of the health care system, professionals in various specialty areas of
medicine have developed their own unique sets of terminology to communicate within that specialty. In the
past, limited attention has been given to codifying practices in order for them to be understood and utilized
across disciplines or through different information technology systems. The implementation of a federally
mandated electronic medical records system, therefore, poses a challenge to nursing professionals and
others who must be prepared to utilize standardized codes for the new system. Why are coding standards
important for promoting consistent. high-quality care?
According to Rutherford (2008. para. 15), “Improved communication with other nurses, health care
professionals, and administrators of the institution in which nurses work is a key benefit of using a
standardized nursing language.” In this Discussion you consider the reasoning behind and the value of
standardized codification.
To prepare:
Review the information in Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice. Determine which set of
terminologies are appropriate for your specialty or area of expertise.
Reflect on the importance of continuity in terminology and coding systems.
In the article, “Standardized Nursing Language: What Does It Mean for Nursing Practice?” the author recounts
a visit to a local hospital to view its implementation of a new coding system. One of the nurses commented to
her. “We document our care using standardized nursing languages but we don’t fully understand why we do”
(Rutherford, 2008, para. 1). Consider how you would inform this nurse (and others like her) of the importance
of standardized nursing terminologies.
Reflect on the value of using a standard language in nursing practice. Consider if standardization can be
limited to a specialty area or if one standard language is needed across all nursing practice. Then, identify
examples of standardization in your own specialty or area of expertise. Conduct additional research using the
Walden Library that supports your thoughts on standardization of nursing terminology.
By Day 3
Post an explanation of why nurses need to document care using standardized nursing languages and whether
this standardization can be limited to specialty areas or if it should be across all nursing practice. Support
your response using specific examples from your own specialty or area of expertise and using at least one
additional resource from the Walden Library.
Please add at least 3 reference
