[Assessment of a software application tool for managing nursing care processes in the period 2005-2010]

To identify problems and critical points in the software application.

Assessment of the implementation of the software tool "Azahar" used to manage nursing care processes. The monitored population consisted of nurses who were users of the tool, at the Hospital and those who benefited from it in Primary Care. Each group was selected randomly and the number was determined by data saturation. A qualitative approach was employed using in-depth interviews and group discussion as data collection techniques.

The nurses considered that the most beneficial and useful application of the tool was the initial assessment and the continuity of care release forms, as well as the recording of all data on the nursing process to ensure quality. The disadvantages and weaknesses identified were associated with the continuous variability in their daily care. The nurses related an increase in workload with the impossibility of entering the records into the computer, making paper records, thus duplicating the recording process. Likewise, they consider that the operating system of the software should be improved in terms of simplicity and functionality.

The simplicity of the tool and the adjustment of workloads would favour its use and as a result, continuity of care.