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The Evolution of Definitions for Nursing Informatics

A Critical Analysis and Revised Definition

Affiliation of the authors: University of Utah, Salt Lake City (NS); University of Nebraska, Omaha (CBT).

Correspondence and reprints: Nancy Staggers, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate CIO. Information Technology Services, University of Utah, 421 Wakara Way, Suite 204, Salt Lake City, UT 84108; e-mail: <nancy.staggers{at}hsc.utah.edu>.

Received for publication: 03/15/01; accepted for publication: 12/07/01.

Despite the fact that nursing informatics is entering its third decade as a specialty within nursing, many definitions still exist to describe the field. This paper offers a rationale for a definition for nursing informatics and a critical analysis of past definitions. An organizing framework of technology-oriented, conceptual, and role-oriented definitions is used to critique these definitions. Subsequently, a revised definition is proposed. This evolutionary definition integrates critical concepts from past work and adds components that are currently missing—patients, information communication, information structures, and decision making. A separate role specification for informatics nurse specialists is provided.

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