?? Embracing the Digital Revolution in Nursing: ICN’s Vision ??

Hello LinkedIn community! ??

I'm excited to talk about something that's been a long time coming and could be a real game-changer in the nursing world: the International Council of Nursing (ICN) position statement on digital healthcare ! ??

Let's delve into what this means for nurses and why it's got me excited.

?? The Power of ICNP

At the core of ICN’s statement is the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP). It's like the secret ingredient that's been missing from the digital transformation recipe. ICNP is a standardised nursing terminology owned by ICN. Why is it such a big deal? Because it's the language that can make digital healthcare dreams come true. Think AI, algorithms, and clinical decision support systems – they all need top-notch data, and ICNP can deliver exactly that.

But here’s the catch. After 30 years in the making, ICNP isn't everywhere like it should be. Why? Let's break it down.

?? The Theory/Practice Gap

One significant issue is the theory/practice gap. ICNP was primarily the domain of a few super-specialist nurses in academia. These folks are brilliant, no doubt, but there's been a disconnect. The theory's fantastic, but it often doesn't align with what's happening on the ground in healthcare. Without demand from the nurses in the trenches, there's no push for electronic patient record (EPR) vendors to make ICNP standard.

?? Valuing Nursing

Another hurdle is the value placed on nursing. We've got SNOMED, a disease-focused terminology, stealing the limelight because it's tied to reimbursements. Everyone understands it, and that's a game-changer. But ICNP, which is more about nursing’s art and science, often gets overlooked. We need to shift the perspective from nursing as a cost to nursing as a crucial part of patient safety and outcomes.

?? The Consensus Conundrum

Unlike SNOMED, we haven't all agreed on one nursing terminology to rule them all. This lack of consensus is a stumbling block. Without unity, we can't achieve a universal approach and the benefits that come with it.

??? ICN’s Role in the Mix

Now, what's ICN got to do with all this? They're the international voice of nursing, so their role in terminology maintenance, development, and implementation is critical. We need collaboration – big time. A roundtable with all stakeholders is overdue. ICNP is crucial, but let's not get bogged down in terminology development for another 30 years. We've got bigger fish to fry – tackling workforce shortages, rising healthcare demands, and equity in access.

?? Lessons for a Digital Future

So, what can we learn from ICNP’s journey? A lot!

1. Education to Bridge the Gap: We need to make sure nursing terminology is practical and useful in real healthcare settings. And go beyond that to make sure nursing education reflects the changing face of practice where digital tools are becoming the norm.
2. Nurses in the Driver's Seat: Involve frontline nurses in designing digital tools – they're the real experts. Don’t just leave it to a select group of ‘experts’.
3. Inclusion and Sustainability: Get diverse voices in the mix from the get-go, we need much wider conversation. Involve those we serve, those we work with and those we haven’t even imagined working with yet!
4. Effective Leadership Across the Board: We need leaders in practice, research, and education with a shared vision working together to drive change.

?? National Nursing Associations Leading the Way

ICN call out the responsibilities of National Nursing Associations (NNAs)! Many are already at the forefront of shaping professional standards and representing nurses. Some cool examples:

• The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in the UK with their "Every Nurse an E-Nurse" education.
• VAR , developed with the support of the Norwegian Nursing Association, is mapped to ICNP.
• The Australian nursing specific digital competency framework – super forward-thinking and already adopted by Ireland.

And let’s not forget other national nurse leaders. In England, our national CNIO recently published guidance on adopting standardised nursing terminology in practice . Another important step in a national nursing programme focused on developing capacity and capability for outstanding digital health and care.

?? A Global Community of Change

Can we take it a step further? Maybe it's time for ICN in partnership with NNA’s to lead a global community of practice for digital transformation, not just a terminology board. Let's pool our knowledge, accelerate change, and make waves together!

The ICN's digital statement represents a monumental stride towards a digital healthcare revolution in nursing. But to turn this vision into reality, we must focus on more than just terminologies. I urge all national nursing associations to promptly take up the ICN position statement and work towards ensuring that technology empowers nurses to deliver exceptional, patient-centred care.

What are your thoughts on this transformative journey? Share your views below! ??