Nursing Informatics in Brazil. A Brazilian experience

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Health Information Systems
• Computer Science in Healthcare

Background:

• Nursing Informatics in Brazil emerged around 1985.
• The Nursing Informatics Group at the Federal University of São Paulo (NIEn/UNIFESP) was founded in 1990.
• Initial focus was on training students and faculty in computer utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the development and integration of Nursing Informatics in Brazil.
• To analyze the role of computers in clinical practice, administration, education, and research within nursing.
• To identify areas requiring further investment, particularly in patient care support systems.

Main Methods:

• Historical overview of Nursing Informatics in Brazil.
• Examination of the curriculum integration of Nursing Informatics at UNIFESP.
• Analysis of the application and implications of computer resources in various nursing domains.

Main Results:

• Nursing Informatics has been incorporated into doctoral, master's, specialization, and undergraduate nursing programs.
• Members of NIEn/UNIFESP have actively contributed to clinical practice, administration, education, and research.
• Significant gaps remain in utilizing computers for direct patient care, with hospital information systems often inadequate for nursing practice.

Conclusions:

• Nursing Informatics education and research are established in Brazil, particularly at UNIFESP.
• The application of informatics in nursing administration, education, and research is progressing.
• Enhanced investment and development are crucial for computer systems to effectively support nurses in patient care activities.