Hospital information technology systems' impact on nurses and nursing care

Abstract

Objective: We conducted a review of the literature to determine the impact of health information technologies (HITs) on nurses and nursing care.

Background: Nurses' effective use of HIT has the potential to produce a positive impact on nursing-sensitive patient outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care.

Methods: A review of the literature produced 564 unique references of which 74 were selected for review.

Results: Findings suggest that (1) HIT improves the quality of nursing documentation; (2) HIT reduces medication administration errors; (3) nurses are generally satisfied with HIT and have positive attitudes about it; and (4) nurse involvement in all stages of HIT design and implementation, and effective leadership throughout these processes, can improve HIT.

Conclusion: HIT has had positive influences on nurse satisfaction and patient care. Effective nursing leadership can positively influence the effective development, dissemination, and use of HIT.