Promotion of interdisciplinary practice through an automated information system

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Nursing Science
• Interprofessional Communication

Background:

• Current health team communication is fragmented and confusing.
• Automated nursing information systems offer a potential solution.
• An interdisciplinary approach to care is preferred for optimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of Romano et al's nursing database model.
• To determine if the model can support an interdisciplinary communication system.
• To identify limitations in existing models for interdisciplinary practice.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the nursing database model proposed by Romano et al.
• Assessment of the model's alignment with interdisciplinary care principles.
• Comparison of multidisciplinary versus interdisciplinary care communication needs.

Main Results:

• The nursing database model has some empirical support.
• The model primarily reflects a multidisciplinary approach.
• The model does not fully support the requirements of an interdisciplinary approach.

Conclusions:

• Existing nursing database models may not adequately support interdisciplinary communication.
• Further development is needed to create information systems for true interdisciplinary care.
• Transitioning from multidisciplinary to interdisciplinary care requires robust information system infrastructure.