The value of information literacy and ethical practice in the nursing and patience care is very vital

The value of information literacy and ethical practice in the nursing and patience care is very vital. Both articles discussed the seeking, researching and evaluating of information in order to provide the best care possible. One of the articles focused on integrating information as the central aspect of information literacy and create processes from the points of views of professionals in the field. Finally, the shortcomings of accessing information and improvements were discussed.
I do agree with Foster that being information literate is an ethical responsibility. As a healthcare professional for example, patients are putting their utter and absolute faith in the hands of their doctors or nurses to not only have the skills but also the knowledge to provide them with the best care possible. There’s a level of personal responsibility and accountability that comes with it due to the fact that their decisions could impact their patient or even sustain irreversible effects on patient’s lives. As participant 3 recalled, “‘most patients are vulnerable, are in a compromised situation – this is why you need ethics, accountability…and evidence-based practice to show that they are safeguarded.” It is, or should be a personal responsibility of every individual the the healthcare field to make well researched decisions on medication, treatment and the overall wellbeing of the patient.
In my opinion, I think it is very realistic that both articles illustrate the use of both information literacy skills and information seeking behavior by heath professionals. I have personally observed this behavior as a patient. When I was a teenager, I ended up going the the emergency room for some abnormal symptoms I was having. Upon my arrival, the doctor concluded multiple tests based on my symptoms. All the test came back negative. Rather than just giving up and sending me home without a diagnoses, I recalled him saying he was going to review his medical school text books to see if he can get some answers. Four hours later, he returned with a treatment plan and I was released the next day. He recognized that more information was needed and had the ability to attain it and did just that. Healthcare professionals are not expected to have all the answer, but they are however, expected to take all reasonable measures to provide the best care for their patient. As a pre-med student, this is definitely something I could see myself doing in the future for every single one of my patients.
At my current job as an accounts payable specialist, I realized I use information literacy skills every day. A majority of my job involves posting invoices in SAP. Following the tasks slide on slide 3, the first step will be identifying an information need (where is SAP located). Step two is to identify how you can get it (by clicking on the SAP icon on the desktop). Followed by step 3, get it (obtain access to SAP). Lastly, evaluate the information (post invoice).
Both articles provide staggering information on the importance of information literacy and its implantation. Although Having access and knowledge on how to access evidence based information from researched literature, or peer reviewed journal not only saves time, it can be a matter of life and death. When doctors and nurses are armed with the most up to date information, it can help build trust between patient and their healthcare provider.