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Biomedical subjects

N Staggers

Publications and source records attributed to N Staggers.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Collaboration between unlikely disciplines in the creation of a conceptual framework for nurse-computer interactions.

A unique conceptual framework for the study of nurse-computer interaction was created through the collaboration of two researchers in seemingly diverse fields: nursing informatics and developmental psychology. The framework depicts nurses and computers interacting in a system of mutual influences, exchanging information during a particular task, and proceeding on a developmental trajectory. The conceptual framework can help guide research within nursing informatics and help build a cohesive body of knowledge for the future.

Medical Informatics

The clinical nurse specialist role in the Army Medical Department.

Although clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) have been in the Army Medical Department for more than 10 years, there are no reports in the literature regarding role implementation for them. In this study, a survey of all practicing CNSs in the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and their supervisors was conducted with the purpose of defining their perceived role and the value placed on it by their supervisors. The results showed that the study population (n = 52) has implemented the role with all components (practice, education, consultation, administration, and research) considered important by them. Further, 85% of the CNSs report positive job satisfaction, and 67% believe they have reached role maturation. Their supervisors were equally or more positive about the importance of the role, and all (n = 26) felt it must be maintained despite budget constraints and nursing shortages. Findings were that CNSs experience role satisfaction, have achieved role maturation, and are valued by their supervisors within the AMEDD.

Adult

Electronic mail basics.

Electronic mail can improve productivity, preserve resources, and contain costs in nursing organizations. Because of its speed, reliability, and convenience, electronic mail virtually eliminates "telephone tag," drastically reduces the turnaround time for responses to messages, produces documentation of conversations, reduces the need for travel and face-to-face meetings, and improves the information processing efficiency of all who use this computer age tool.

Evaluation Studies as Topic

Human factors. The missing element in computer technology.

Technology is currently more difficult to learn and use than it should be. However, with more attention to human factors, technology will be easier to use in the future. For more information about human factors in computer systems, the reader is referred to two very comprehendible texts: Ben Shneiderman's (1987) Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction or Baecker and Buxton's (1987) Readings in Human-Computer Interaction: A Multidisciplinary Approach. In addition, there is an extensive body of literature on the general subject of human factors.

Computers

Communicating in the 1990s: a technology update.

With the variety of available technologies, choosing among them will be difficult at best. Waiting for integration and standardization among technologies may effectively eliminate a competitive edge and productivity improvements for health care organizations. Also, selecting which one communication technology is needed may not be the issue since several technologies likely are needed to solve different communication needs in organizations. One might begin to sort out options by performing an assessment of current communication patterns and deficiencies. Ideally, the assessment should be completed by someone who is able to assess needs over an entire organization, not just one service or one organizational level. The assessment should focus at least on some of the following questions. Are three major problems with staff or client communications? If staff-related, are primary needs interactive with routine communication needs? If they are interactive, time-sensitive, and inter-organizational then a form of video-conferencing may help. Short-term interactive needs might be met by leasing video-conferencing rooms. Long-term, time sensitive interactive needs might require PC-based video-conferencing, Non-time-sensitive, interactive, inter-organizational needs might be met with voice mail or e-mail, which allow some time-delayed but single-mode interactions. If communication needs are routine, one might examine how e-mail, or fax could help. If text-based paper traffic through the mail room is enormous or slow, e-mail may help. If communication among persons at any level of geographically separate organizations is needed, modem-based or public e-mail may be the answer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computer Communication Networks