From pull to push: understanding nurses' information needs

Electronic access to research information for health professionals is a key component in developing evidence-based healthcare. As nurses take on extended roles and work more autonomously, it is assumed that they will take increasing advantage of these technologies. However, little is known about the decisions that nurses make and the information needs that arise within the context of those decisions. This article presents an analysis of 410 nurse-patient consultations and interviews with 76 primary care nurses, and explores nurses' information needs and their use of electronic information tools. The findings suggest that, if we wish to encourage nurses to use research information in clinical practice, we need to move from 'pull' to 'push' technology.