Information technology and patient safety in nursing practice: an international perspective.
When people become patients, they place their trust in their health care providers. As providers assume responsibility for their diagnosis and treatment, patients have a right to expect that this will include responsibility for their safety during all aspects of care. However, increasing epidemiological data make it clear that patient safety is a global problem. Improved nursing care may prevent many adverse events, and nursing must take a stronger leadership role in this area. Although errors are almost inevitable, safety can be improved, and health care institutions are increasingly making safety a top priority. Information technology provides safety benefits by enhancing communication and delivering decision-support; its use will likely be a cornerstone for improving safety. This paper will discuss the status of patient safety from an international viewpoint, provide case studies from different countries, and discuss information technology solutions from a nursing perspective.
Van de Castle
Barbara
B
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and The PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center for Information Systems in Nursing Care, 525 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Kim
Jeongeun
J
Pedreira
Mavilde L G
ML
Paiva
Abel
A
Goossen
William
W
Bates
David W
DW
D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007256:Information Systems; D007297:Inpatients; D038622:Internationality; D008490:Medical Informatics; D008508:Medication Errors; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D010045:Outpatients; D005791:Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D017751:Safety Management