Technology, health and the home: eHealth and the community nurse

Abstract

Twenty-first century methods of communication are changing. Technology and the way it is used has the potential to revolutionise health care. In the same way information technology (IT) has had a massive impact on commerce and industry, it is also having a substantial impact on the practice of community nurses and the ways in which care is delivered. In order for the impact of IT to be a positive one, community nurses and other health professionals will have to learn and develop a range of new skills. Nurses can and should be directing and becoming involved in the ways in which the IT revolution unfolds. Nurses working with systems development teams also need to make known their needs making clear what information the various IT systems have to contain and how these will fit in with their nursing practice.