Evaluating the benefits realized from a nurse management information system

Area of Science:

• Nursing Management
• Health Informatics
• Information Systems Evaluation

Background:

• Nurse managers face increasing information demands.
• Computerized information systems are developed for ward-level use.
• Few implemented information systems undergo evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a specific nurse management information system.
• To identify how benefits (returns) of the system are manifested.
• To inform future information system development and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• A multi-method approach was employed for the evaluation.
• The study was conducted in Oxford.
• Focus on identifying realized benefits and returns on investment.

Main Results:

• The evaluation identified specific ways benefits were manifested.
• The study highlights the importance of a structured evaluation process.
• Findings suggest a need for proactive benefit realization.

Conclusions:

• Evaluation of nurse management information systems should be an active process.
• Planning for evaluation should occur concurrently with defining information requirements.
• This approach ensures benefits are identified and maximized.