Integrating Experiential Informatics and Quality Improvement in Baccalaureate Education

Current education for prelicensure students addresses informatics, typically focusing on theory, terminology, and an overview of systems. This leaves health partners with the burden of teaching "bedside" informatics skills. Utilizing an innovative new model, a course was developed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. Students join mock clinical practice councils and perform chart audits to understand the important role of informatics in quality improvement. By using practical bedside informatics tools and applications, students learn to improve patient outcomes and safe care environments in alignment with current expectations.