Nurses are the largest group of healthcare providers in the world today.  In the U.S. alone, there are 3.1 million RNs and 800,000 LPNs, all of which strive to provide the best possible care to improve patient outcomes. How do you access and utilize information and technology to improve your practice?  Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and Ovid have done a great deal of market research to really understand how nurses are integrating information searches in their workflow.  Nurses want two types of information, synoptic content and deep dive content.  Synoptic content is quick bites of information that can be read, understood, and quickly put into practice.  This information is accessed through print pocket information, smart phones, workstations on wheels, or computers at the unit station.  Deep dive information is full text information that offers the nurse the depth and breadth of information often needed for continuing education, specialty clinical updates, and research. This type of information is accessed through hospital computers, library access, or through computers at the nurses' home.  Google is the number one search engine used by nurses regardless of their education and experience.  While nurses still love their print publications, online access to information through computers, smart phones, and other new devices is growing rapidly.

Is this information surprising?  Not really. You told us you want evidence-based, best practice information delivered to you at the right time and in the right format.  Information needs to be easily accessible in your workflow.  Healthcare Reform will inject many new patients into the healthcare system and responding efficiently and effectively to patients needs is of primary importance.   Having access to the right evidence-based, best practice information can help you improve practice and improve your patients outcomes.  

For free access to the White Paper: Improving Nursing Practice with Information and Technology, just go to www.nursingcenter.com/nursinginformatics.