Developing a Systems Design Document for Evaluating Nursing Information Systems: Process and Outcome
Date of Award
Spring 1989
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
Abstract
Hospital information systems, traditionally developed out of a financial orientation, have been created by system specialists who were not familiar with the practice of nursing. Simultaneously, as computer technology is becoming more sophisticated in health care, nursing administrators need to maximize their knowledge about information processing in order to identify components of the system determined necessary for use in their institutions. In 1987, the Wisconsin Computer Applications in Nursing group took the initiative to address design features of computer systems which would enhance the accountability of nursing practice. They identified a need among nursing administrators for criteria for examining information systems and recognized that many nursing administrators lacked a knowledge base for critically evaluating computer systems. An outline of system criteria was developed and is here expanded upon in terms of the data that each component should contain and its functionality, that purpose the system component would serve for communicating information about patient care or patient care administration. The document's purpose is to serve as a resource when considering the information processing vital to the delivery of nursing care. The understanding of information processing and nursing information systems is a requirement for well prepared nurse executives if they are to effectively interact with executive peers and respond proactively to the changes in health care information processing and the demands of external users of information. Reviewing the literature, using current survey results rating current systems, using a tool such as that created by WICAN, employing a nurse consultant, and contributing to the research needed to expand this body of knowledge are but a few ways the effective nurse executive may use computers to enhance the quality of information used for executive decision making.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Janet S., "Developing a Systems Design Document for Evaluating Nursing Information Systems: Process and Outcome" (1989). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3701.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3701