The complexity of developing a nursing information system: a Brazilian experience

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Nursing Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Information systems development is complex, involving technical, organizational, and social factors.
• Active nurse participation in developing information systems is crucial but challenging, especially with unfamiliar technology.
• Traditional development methods often overlook individual needs and organizational dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the participatory design approach for information systems development.
• To describe the experience of applying participatory design to a nursing information system in a Brazilian teaching hospital.
• To highlight the importance of nurse involvement and understanding nursing work situations for effective system design.

Main Methods:

• Explanation of the participatory design methodology, emphasizing community participation.
• Case study description of implementing this approach in a nursing information system project.
• Focus on discussions with nurses regarding topics relevant to nursing information system design.

Main Results:

• Participatory design offers an alternative to traditional methods, being more sensitive to user needs and organizational contexts.
• Discussions revealed key topics relevant to nurses, contributing to a better understanding of nursing work.
• The approach facilitated the design of a nursing information system tailored to the specific needs of the hospital setting.

Conclusions:

• Participatory design is a valuable approach for developing nursing information systems, fostering nurse engagement.
• Understanding nursing work situations through direct input is essential for creating effective and relevant information systems.
• While nursing classification systems are important, other approaches are needed for comprehensive knowledge development in nursing.