Problem to be Resolved:

This project focuses on the adoption of nursing practices to use of evidence at the point of care. Data now exist to support the causal effects of nursing actions on patient outcomes. Both locally generated data and commercially available products provide evidence to support clinical decision making by nurses. Changing care processes to seek and use this knowledge, whether through referential links or embedded decision support, poses a number of challenges. This presentation will explore these challenges at the interface of nursing practice and information technologies.

Objectives of the Project:

The aim was to identify the benefits and barriers to incorporating evidence at the point of care.

Methods:

Field observation and literature search were conducted.

Outcomes:

Delivery of care is modified based on information provided to the clinician at the point of care, prior to action being taken.

Lessons Learned:

Specific prerequisites and dependencies must be in place for nurses to incorporate evidence at the point of care. These include standardization of terminology, process analysis and redesign, and knowledge definition. Challenges to overcome include selection of sources of evidence, device selection, and change in practice patterns. Success requires overcoming the challenges, communicating the benefits, demonstrating the outcomes, and providing visibility of executive level support.

Section Description

We are pleased to share the paper presentation abstracts from the Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics, Informatics at the Point of Care: A Barrier or a Bridge?, held at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, July 22 to 25, 2009. The program, chaired by Dr Judy Ozbolt, was a great success. Each of the following abstracts was selected for presentation by a peer-review committee.