Describe any gaps in knowledge that you found and the effects this may have on nursing practice as it relates to your change project topic.

One of the gaps in knowledge that I found while researching my change project topic was a lack of education and resources dedicated to long-term care facilities regarding cyber security. The increasing prevalence of technology in healthcare has made it essential for these organizations to protect patient data from potential cyber threats, yet many do not have the necessary protocols or expertise needed to ensure adequate security measures are implemented. As a result, this can expose patients’ information to unauthorized access which could lead to serious privacy violations or financial harm.

This gap in knowledge can have far-reaching implications for nursing practice as it exposes nurses and other healthcare professionals working at long-term care facilities to increased risk of cyberattacks. If a breach occurs, nurses may be faced with significant legal issues due to their responsibility for protecting patient data under HIPAA regulations. Furthermore, nurses may also find themselves overwhelmed by an influx of requests related to addressing any damage caused by the attack which would detract from time spent providing direct patient care. It is therefore essential that more resources are dedicated towards educating staff members about proper cyber security practices within long-term care settings in order for them to provide safe and effective care for their patients.