The University of Iowa

College of Nursing

Technology & Information Management Literacy

Competency

Assumptions

1.  The mission of The University of Iowa which includes a commitment to conducting “activities in a culturally diverse, humane, technologically advanced and increasingly global environment”, should be supported by the computer and information management competencies.

2.  The University of Iowa Core Values, which include community, learning, responsibility, integrity, and quality, should be supported by the competencies.

3.  Competencies exist at three (3) levels (Alspach Model1): (a) core competencies applicable to everyone, (b) population-based competencies, and (c) setting-based competencies.

4.  The positive effects of computer-based learning technologies in facilitating student performance and learning are seen only when participants have knowledge and skill to use the technology.

5.  Next-generation computer-based testing will be the norm.

Definition

Technology and information literacy encompasses information, communication, and technology skills necessary to learn and function in a technological healthcare environment.

Literacy Goals

1. Computer literacy – To work more efficiently through the use of computer systems and representative application programs.

2.  Communications – To have efficient and timely access to nursing and healthcare information resources, interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, and patients.

3. Information management – To effectively search, retrieve, organize, and manage health information using computing and communication technologies.

4.  Patient-care Practice – To effectively and efficiently function in healthcare and nursing environments using the computer-based patient record and electronic decision support resources.

5.  Computer-based learning – To effectively use and evaluate computer-based learning and applications.

1 Alspach, J. (1984). Designing competency-based orientation for critical care nurses. Heart & Lung, 13,6,655-662.

Competency Document (continued)

Name: Email:

Goal / Objectives /
Self Rating
1 (none) –
3 proficient) - (
5 (highly proficient) / Related Skills
1. Computer literacy – To work more efficiently through the use of computer systems and representative application programs. / Understand file types within hierarchical file system.
Navigate within system.
Print files.
Demonstrate basic skills in word processing.
Demonstrate basic skills with presentation software.
Describe uses of a spreadsheet.
Demonstrate basic skills in spreadsheet.
Describe uses of a database.
Demonstrate basic skills in database software. / Maneuvering through desktop
Overview of windows
Getting help
Working with programs
Keeping track of files/folders
Running multiple programs
Creating document
Revising document
Getting help
Character formatting
Paragraph formatting
Page formatting
Previewing/printing document
Proofing document
Text shortcuts
Overview of PowerPoint
Basics
Entering text
Getting help
Enhancing presentation
Creating output
Enhancing actual presentation
Modifying presentation
Introduction to Excel screen
Entering text on spreadsheet
Cell manipulation
Getting help
Creating a worksheet
Cell addressing
Formatting cells
Charting
Introduction to Access
Creating a database
Getting help
Entering, editing, validating data
Querying
Creating & using forms
Printing reports & mailing labels
Goal / Objectives /
Level*
/ Related Skills
2. Communications – To have efficient and timely access to nursing and healthcare information resources, interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, and patients. / Use email system.
Exchange documents.
Setup communications session using telephone lines (e.g. email from home).
Access information resources not requiring an acc’t (e.g. Internet, Web).
Access information resources requiring an acct (e.g. WebCT, Ovid, Medline). / Introduction to email system
Addressees
Creating message
Replying, forwarding, sending
Attachments
Dialing modem options
Access Internet browser
Access on-line help
Identify parts of URL
Access Internet search engine
Use search engine
Recognize links
Print Web page
Save Web page
Save image from Web page
Use Literature databases
Download file
3. Information management – To effectively search, retrieve, organize, and manage health information using computing and communication technologies. / Choose appropriate on-line information resources.
Critically evaluate on-line resource.
Employ appropriate terminology & search strategies.
Organize and efficiently use information files (e.g. bibliographic management).
Demonstrate awareness of ownership & copyright issues.
Demonstrate understanding of how information is socially situated and produced.
(cont.)
Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the intellectual, human, and social strengths and limitations, and benefits and costs of technologies.
Goal / Objectives /
Level*
/ Related Skills
4.  Patient-care Practice – To effectively and efficiently function in healthcare and nursing environments using the computer-based patient record (CPR) and electronic decision support resources. / Understand the use of the computer-based patient record (CPR).
Use electronic patient record for a specific patient.
Understand the contribution of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes to the CPR.
Enter nursing problems, interventions, and outcomes in the NIS.
Use order entry – results reporting (e.g. request a lab test, view results).
Understand information system requirements of nursing practice.
Understand mechanisms for data exchange between systems. / INFORMM, or other clinical information system orientation
5. Computer-based learning – To effectively use and evaluate computer-based learning and applications. / Use different approaches to computer-based learning.
Experience computer-adaptive testing.
Familiarize self with national sources of learning programs.
Experience computer-based testing, evaluation.