Introducing standardized terminologies to nurses: Magic wands and other strategies

Information technology advances have created a revolution that is transforming health care delivery. Practice, documentation, and communication are becoming data-driven. As a result, vendors are rapidly developing and upgrading their computerized clinical information systems; more health care providers are purchasing and implementing these systems. Many systems include standardized terminologies intended for use by nurses. It is imperative that nurses use these terminologies accurately and consistently in order to generate high-quality clinical data. Leaders and terminology committee members employed at practice, education, and research sites need to develop educational strategies to support nurse users as part of well-organized, systematic introductory programs Program requisites include a long-term vision, teamwork, positive attitudes, and adequate resources. This paper is designed to summarize standardized terminologies, benefits and challenges for nurse users, and educational strategies to introduce the terminologies to nurses successfully. The authors will describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation-maintenance strategies they used to introduce the Omaha System to diverse groups.