Implementing information technology in a behavioral health setting.
The art and practice of nursing in today's health care arena is becoming increasingly complex. One of the newest challenges in the field of behavioral health is the integration of quality health care with information technology. The authors of this paper examine four emerging aspects of information technology: the electronic medical record, automated medication distribution systems, computerized charting, and hand-held computers. The benefits, costs, uses of these technologies, and the potential problems they can provide in the field of behavioral health are discussed. Implications for nursing practice also are explored.
Puskar
Kathryn R
KR
University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. krp12@pitt.edu
Aubrecht
Jill
J
Beamer
Kathleen
K
Carozza
Lisa J
LJ
D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D006801:Humans; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D008509:Medication Systems; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009737:Nursing Records; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*