Can we solve current problems with nursing information systems?

Abstract

Dutch nurses are confronted with health care information systems quite often. However, they do not take full advantage of electronic support for their care activities and professional development. The nursing process is often considered the core of nursing care delivery and guides the documentation of care. Currently, this process can be supported electronically. However, the actual use of nursing information systems (NISs) in the Netherlands is limited to a few sites. Therefore, it is timely to analyse the problems that exist in the development and use of NISs and to look for solutions to solve them. This paper proposes both the nursing information reference model (NIRM), and structured discussions for a proper course of action in the development and use of NISs.