| This study was guided by the research question, “What is the lived experience of the nurse informaticist practicing in rural and urban hospitals in Western Missouri in the decision-making processes of selecting an HIS?” Ten rural and urban nurse informaticists (NIs) participated in the study. A rapidly changing healthcare environment mandates efficient and effective HISs. The literature contains guidelines for processes to use in selecting an HIS which institutions purport to use. Even so, installation and use of an HIS often has disappointing results, leaving questions about what went wrong during the decision-making process. The results of this study indicated that aspects of the process outlined in the literature are used inconsistently in the decision-making process. Results also revealed that the primary preparation in informatics for the nurse with NI work responsibilities continues to be “on the job training,” rather than formal education. |
