From the patient controlled analgesic pump to the CT scan, all depend on the science of computers. To imply nursing informatics deals only with machines would be a serious misconception of the day to day use of computers in the function of the nurse. The technology is being upgraded at a startling rate. It used to be computers with the power of the old 286 were housed in a climate controlled building, which made them less than practical in the work force. Today your lap top can connect you with the world, thus making the computer a valuable tool in the hospitals, doctors offices, nursing homes and other nursing related areas.
Information is the key.
According to J.R. Graves and S. Corcoran, in an article published in 1989, data becomes information which in turn becomes knowledge. The data must be entered before it can be used. It must be stressed that the computer is a tool and is an aid to the nurse in making care plans, charting and time management. The nurse is the primary care giver in many cases, therefore gains the most information about the client. This information can be entered into a matrix which can aid a physician in making a medical diagnosis.