Nurses' knowledge of and attitude to nursing information systems

Background: The use of a nursing information system (NIS) provides significant benefit to the nurses in the management of real-time patient data and contributes to improving the operational effectiveness of nursing services. Aim: To assess the knowledge of, attitude towards and use of an NIS. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out among 230 hospital nurses in India, using a validated questionnaire including demographic characteristics, and questions on knowledge of, attitude towards and use of an NIS. Findings: The study found that more than 70% of nurses had good computer skills and knowledge about the information system. About 75% of the nurses reported that the NIS could be a tool to support them in improving patient care, and medical documentation, although 42% claimed that the use of NIS depersonalises nursing care. Seventy-one per cent of the nurses expressed the need for formal education and training on using an NIS during and after their nursing education. Conclusion: Training and demonstration of NISs during nurse education would improve nurses knowledge, build confidence and positive attitudes, and enhance the acceptability and sustainability of NISs in healthcare settings.