Discussion: NURS 6051 Standardized Coding Systemss
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.
Discussion: NURS 6051 Standardized Coding Systems
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.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different
days using one or more of the following approaches:
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional
background information, evidence or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings,
synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings
from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional
research.
Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from
readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional
insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
