Abstract
PURPOSE
To develop, implement, and evaluate a clinical knowledgeñbased nursing information system (NIS) to assist nurses working in the field of geriatrics.
METHODS
Using a model familiar to information systems analysis, the author proposes a model in six dimensions (the quality of the system, the quality of the information, uses for the information, user satisfaction, individual impact, and organizational impact) to measure information system success. A Delphi survey was used to identify indicators to evaluate the success of a NIS. Sixty indicators were submitted to 24 nurses working in different clinical settings from various areas of the province of Quebec. The participants were asked to give their opinion on the pertinence and the clarity of definition of the submitted indicators. To be considered, an indicator had to obtain the group's consensus (85%) regarding its pertinence and the clarity of its wording.
FINDINGS
The Delphi Group reached consensus on 50 indicators divided amongst the six dimensions. The choice of various indicators to evaluate an NIS will depend on its very nature and on the concerns for assessment. The results of this work led us to propose a framework of reference for the evaluation of nursing information systems. The chosen indicators constitute a set that can be used to evaluate the success of other NISs.
CONCLUSIONS
Future research is needed to identify the best methods to assess the chosen indicators and clarify the definition of those indicators that have been judged pertinent but are not clearly stated.
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