Evaluating the benefits realized from a nurse management information system

The information requirements of nurse managers have been uncreasing rapidly in recent years. The demand for access to relevant and accurate information has led to the development of computerized information systems for use a ward level. However, once implemented, few information systems have been evaluated to identify the benefits that will be realized. This paper presents the results of a study carried our in Oxford to evaluate one nurse management information system using a multi-method approach to identify ways in which returns may be manifested. It suggests that evaluation should be an active process planned at the same time is defining information requirements.