Hospital information technology systems' impact on nurses and nursing care.

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.