Abstract
The purpose of this study was to construct an effective point of care computer system (PCCS) to improve bedside nursing care and integrate it into a nursing information system. The study was based on the System Development Life Cycle. We preliminarily investigated user demands of a Nursing information system (NIS) and then proceeded on to the PCCS Design and Development. At the analysis stage, the nursing units of four general hospitals in the Seoul and the Kyongin areas were compared with G hospital. Sub-programs of the PCCS were customized for G hospital's system. At the PCCS Design stage, a nursing information flowchart was constructed and contents to be used by each PCCS sub-program were selected. At the PCCS Development stage, PCCS sub-programs were developed using the Visual Basic. Fifty-three nurses of six nursing units who used PCCS (on a wireless notebook computer) responded to the questionnaire 3 months after they started using the system. The results of the evaluation were positive. It is believed that this study helped to improve patient service and the efficiency of nursing units in providing bedside nursing care.