Health Informatics and Telehealth Specialty Interest Group

Since its inception in 2018, I have been an active member and advocate of the Health Informatics and Telehealth SIG. I am thankful that AANP committed to the initiation and support of this SIG. It is my belief that it is a great place for NPs to share insights and ask their colleagues about not only evolving technology affecting their practice, but also how to apply the emerging “technology tools” to their NP practice whatever and wherever it occurs.

For the past 8 years, I have been primarily involved with the clinical application of telehealth and encouraging patients to consider using it as an efficient, cost-effective method of health care — but I have been passionate about informatics for far longer. As a nursing student, I was excited by the progressive use of digital technology in health care. Working initially with infusion pumps in the early 90s to electronic health record systems, I could only imagine all the possibilities that digitization and informatics can bring, positively impacting the quality of health care delivery for all patients. I hope to be able to share my passion and spark for expanding uses of technology within our NP role.

As the co-chair, I believe we should be fostering health care technology brainstorming, discussion and collaboration amongst our AANP colleagues. Using this SIG respectfully to ignite ideas and opportunities within the group to improve patient health care quality and reach out to underserved populations.

If you believe Health Care Informatics is only about using your EHR, the good news is NPs have a tremendous amount of technology to help them, their patients and their practices to get the best evidence-based, patient-centered care. NPs joining the Informatics and Telehealth Specialty Interest Group will have opportunities to share their wisdom as well as seek advice from colleagues who use general and specialty care apps, data collection technologies and artificial intelligence to make their practices more efficient and enjoyable. We take a special look at telehealth, a vital informatics source, to increase care availability, welcoming those who practice using this medium as those looking to learn more about being part of this exciting care opportunity. So, whether you are a geek who writes code and builds your apps you’d like to share with others, someone who uses apps but is looking to use expanded technologies or an NP just wanting to keep up to date with technology to deliver better care and help patients improve self-care, the Informatics and Telehealth SIG welcomes you.