Computers and Working Conditions in Nursing: Experiences from German Hospitals

Abstract

The results of a recent survey on hospital data processing in Germany reveal a rapid increase of computer applications in hospital care. The use of computers in medicine is expected to produce not only considerable effects on quality of health care, but likewise drastic changes in the working conditions of the health care professions. Additional evidence for this guess is presented coming from a recent study dealing with real and virtual impacts of computer applications in nursing. To get some detailed insight into these effects, about 100 hospital staff members confronted or experienced with the new technologies have been interviewed in six hospitals. The results demonstrate that introduction and use of computers require appropriate implementation and project management strategies, effective further education and training, and a mutual adaption of the computer system and its organizational environment in order to improve the “quality of working life”. Substantial research and development is necessary to meet these requirements.