Nursing Informatics in New Zealand: Evolving Towards Extinction?

Abstract

This project undertakes a critique and review of a decade (1990-2000) of available New Zealand literature to reveal the current state of Nursing lnformatics utilisation in nursing practice. Since the early 1990s, nurses from diploma and baccalaureate nursing programs have been graduating with knowledge and skills in Nursing Informatics. Yet when scrutinising the two main nursing publications for New Zealand, it is surprising to note the scant publication of articles that pertain to this topic area of nursing. Why is this? Having taught Nursing lnformatics curricula over ten years, I now have concerns to voice. Is this an area of nursing that is seen as unimportant or irrelevant to the work nurses do in providing patient care? Are computers still the domain of the ward clerk and admissions personnel? Is cyberphobia still alive and well for nurses in practice? These are key considerations in reviewing the literature. Competencies as product of the 1989 Guidelines for Teaching Nursing lnformatics will be a key consideration in this discussion, including ways in which the articles may reflect the content or intent of the Nursing lnformatics curriculum as prescribed in these guidelines. This commentary enlightens readers as to how Nursing lnformatics has evolved in New Zealand nursing practice, situating its growth, or lack of, in the context of concurrent socio- political influences as well as conditions created by national and international nursing trends. It is significant however that due to the scope of this project, comments on specific Nursing lnformatics conferences held in New Zealand over the decade can not be addressed in any depth. This is an area that deserves further investigation. Several recommendations are discussed to guide the future direction of Nursing lnformatics for nursing education and practice in New Zealand.