Information systems tools available to the case manager

Regardless of the setting, the role of the nurse as a manager of care continues to grow and develop. The nurse case manager needs to have vital information readily available to facilitate critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making on the appropriateness of care provided to patients and to ensure that optimal outcomes are achieved. While there are a variety of clinical information systems available, it is evident that the complexity of the case manager's information needs presents challenges for software developers. Accordingly, nurse case managers must take an active role in defining and communicating their needs. The purpose of this article (the first of two) is to present a general overview of the information needs of the nurse case manager and the computerized information system tools available (and emerging) to meet these needs. A follow-up article in the next issue of Nursing Case Management will focus on a typical clinical information system selection process; outline specific ways the nurse case manager can effectively influence that process; and provide a checklist that will enable the nurse case manager to assist the institution in selecting and implementing the most appropriate system.