HIMSS Celebrates Nurses as Key Drivers of Digital Health Progress
Global, Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
HIMSS honors nurses as crucial leaders in advancing global digital healthcare, emphasizing their integral role in technology integration during Nurses’ Month 2025.
Transformative Leadership in Digital Health
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has recognized nurses as vital leaders in the journey toward a digital, globally connected healthcare future. With over 10,000 members actively participating in its Nursing Community through committees, taskforces, and advisory workgroups, nurses are at the forefront of harnessing digital health tools and intelligent technologies [1]. Their unique position at the intersection of patient care and technology implementation makes them invaluable stakeholders in healthcare’s digital transformation.
Strategic Priorities and Implementation
In 2025, HIMSS has identified several critical priorities where nurses play essential roles, including workforce development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence integration [1]. At recent events, such as the HIMSS25 Global Health Conference in Las Vegas, healthcare leaders have emphasized how nurses are crucial in implementing virtual care solutions that address both patient needs and workforce challenges [4]. This integration of digital technologies is particularly evident in programs like the North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program, where nurses help connect high-risk pregnant women in rural areas through telemedicine initiatives [4].
Overcoming Digital Implementation Challenges
The path to digital transformation faces several obstacles, including clinician resistance to change and global disparities in accessing digital resources [1]. Healthcare institutions are addressing these challenges through strategic initiatives. For instance, St. James Hospital has demonstrated success by focusing on comprehensive staff training alongside IT infrastructure upgrades [4]. This approach ensures that nurses are well-equipped to utilize new technologies effectively while maintaining their essential role as purveyors of responsible practice and person-centric care [1].
Future Outlook and Professional Development
As healthcare continues its digital evolution, nurses are being called upon to lead by example in advancing digital health transformation [1]. Professional development opportunities in digital health are expanding, with organizations like HIMSS advocating for policy changes to support digital health adoption. This commitment to advancement is reflected in recent initiatives, such as HIMSS’s advocacy for community college funding to prepare future healthcare technology professionals [5]. These educational initiatives are crucial as workforce demands in health IT are projected to grow significantly in the coming years [5].