The impact of computer technology in the clinical setting: a nursing perspective

The impact of computer technology in the clinical setting: a nursing perspective

[Abstract]: Advances in computer technology and communication technology have been revolutionary during the latter half of the last century. During which, computer technology has transformed the world from the industrial age to the information age.

Computer technology by its very nature is a new and intriguing phenomenon to work with. In contrast, nursing by its very nature is an older and most trusted profession to be part of. Uncovering the secrets of combining this media and that profession then became the challenge for the study.

The foundations for the study are set within the qualitative model of phenomenology, where the methods are based on the work of van Manen (1997). This framework was used to explore a deeper understanding of the nursing experience with computer technology in the hospital ward.

The objectives of the study were primarily to understand computer technology within the social context of nursing and secondly, other objectives were to explore the dynamics, between computer technology and the culture of nursing. Discussion was invited on the positive and negative influences of computer technology as experienced by these nurses.

This was achieved by working with nurses in a variety of ward settings including a rural base hospital, as they participated in a series of in-depth, unstructured interviews. The data they provided reflects that computer technology has the potential to impact on the structure and delivery of healthcare, challenge the traditional roles and scope of practice, alter the existing boundaries and relationships and reinvent the clinical environment of nursing.