323chapter FOURTEEN
Leveraging Technology to Support
Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice
Frances H. Cornelius , Gary M. Childs , and Linda Wilson
The past several decades have been defined by the rapid pace of change and innovation.
We live and work in a technology- infused world that will become even more integrated
with technology in the future. Technology is integral in our efforts to meet the challenges
faced by our health care system today and in the future. The doctorally prepared advanced
practice nurse (APN) must be proficient in the use of technology to assume a leadership
role in efforts to improve practice, and to conduct research to improve health care, systems,
and patient outcomes. The doctoral APN will be using technology in a variety of roles—
practitioner (and clinical expert), educator, clinical scientist, or nursing administrator—
and must be competent in information technology to be able to leverage their use in every
role or setting. A strong recommendation is that the doctoral APN should possess a higher
level of technical competency than expected of the master’s- prepared APN.
■ OVERVIEW OF CURRENT ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE
TECHNOLOGY EXPECTATIONS
The Institute of Medicine (IOM, 1999, 2001, 2003) has led the intense scrutiny of our
health care system and has focused attention on health care delivery, patient safety, and
the education of health professionals. Recent reports have highlighted the need for com-
prehensive restructuring of the education of all health professionals, with an emphasis
on evidence- based practice, quality improvement, and informatics, as well as an inter-
disciplinary approach to patient- centered care. Given these reports and emerging trends
in the health care arena, particularly related to technology, there is a heightened aware-
ness of the importance of essential informatics/ technology competencies among nurses
at all degree levels. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006) supports
these recommendations and has proposed that doctorally prepared nurses be poised to
assume key leadership positions to drive these changes in order to actively participate in
executive decisions that address these important issues. It is for these reasons that the
doctoral APN must be prepared to take full advantage of all available technologies to
support his or her practice and scholarship.