A review by SONIA BUDGEN, RCN Information in Nursing Forum Committee.
Nursing and information for the 21st century
Edited by Charlotte A Weaver, Connie W Delaney, Patrick Weber and Robyn Carr (2006)
HIMSS, Chicago: $90. ISBN – 0-9761277-5-X
This book brings to life global visions and accounts of preparation for clinical information systems (CIS).
Many common themes are noted, including the importance of involving end-users. With this wealth of information one could wonder why there are so many delays and disappointments in the world of IT.
The book contains 34 chapters written by 97 eminent professionals (mainly nurses). It covers a wide-ranging body of information and is written from an American perspective, thus qualifying their successful years of developing health care IT solutions.
Chapters are divided into six sections so the reader can dip into a particular topic as necessary. There are dedicated chapters with 30 case studies relating to global current states of IT health care and how countries adapt to their need of capturing, storing and communicating their delivery of care. Diagrams and screen shots aid understanding of complex projects and processes.
Overall it demonstrates the potential of nurses to be involved at senior positions (and how important this is!) within the development, design and implementation of software.
Not a book for the faint-hearted!