Journal of Nursing & Care

Effectiveness of a Nursing Shift Information System on a Surgical Ward in Taiwan

Abstract

Bi Lian Chen

Background: Nurse Shift is a routine but essential operation in hospital management. Classically, paper records have been used in nurse shift but these procedures are time consuming and inefficient. For efficiency and quality nursing care, as well as patients' wellbeing, a computerized nurse shifting information system is essential.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the performance of a computerized nurse shifting information system (CNSIS) designed to simplify the nurse shifting procedures.

Methods: Seventeen female nursing staffs were recruited into this study. Two thousand and one hundred sixty six nursing shift data related to 142 inpatients from one ward during the period of November 20, 2007 to January 4, 2008, were also used in the analysis. ANOVA was used in analysing the time consumed before and after CNSIS implementation.

Results: On application of CNSIS, time needed for shift (TNS) during 2nd (p<000), 3rd (p<000) and 4th week (p<000) had decreased significantly. Besides, only one incomplete intake and output event was reported.

Conclusions: The CNSIS appears to increase the efficiency of nursing administration. Implementation of CNSIS is promising and worth to be practically used in nursing administration.

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