Factors influencing nurses’ attitudes towards healthcare information technology

AIM(S): This literature review examines the current trend in nurses' attitudes toward healthcare information technology (HIT). BACKGROUND: HIT implementation and expansion are at the core of global efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient safety. As a large portion of the healthcare workforce, nurses' attitudes towards HIT are likely to have a major impact on the electronic health record (EHR) implementation process. EVALUATION: A search of PubMed, CINAHL and Medline databases produced 1930 combined hits. Returned articles were scanned for relevancy and applicability. Thirteen articles met all criteria and were subsequently reviewed in their entirety. KEY ISSUE(S): In accordance with two change theories, if HIT implementation projects are to be successful, nurses must recognize that incorporating EHRs into their daily practice is beneficial to patient outcomes. CONCLUSION(S): Overall, the attitudes of nurses toward HIT are positive. Increased computer experience is the main demographic indicator for positive attitudes. The most common detractors are poor system design, system slowdown and system downtime. Nurses are also fearful that the use of technology will dehumanize patient care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Involving nurses in system design is likely to improve post-implementation satisfaction. Creating a positive, supportive atmosphere appears to be instrumental to sustainability.