Nursing and Computers: An Anthology, 1987-1996

Mary A. Curran

This collection of classic nursing informatics papers and articles is arranged in five sections that represent basic knowledge areas of computer technology in nursing. This book "serves as one example of the transition of nursing knowledge of computer literacy as it developed for the profession." The principal editor can identify these transitions because she has been a leader in the field since its inception. While the intended audience is not specifically stated, this book is not written for the neophyte. Content derived from proceedings, conferences, and workshops provides expert commentaries that are not readily available to the interested reader. This is a continuation of an earlier anthology (1981-1986) that presented the initial struggles of nursing informatics. Both are part of the Computers and Medicine Monograph Series and this one continues the quality tradition. Readers will find introductory material for each content area that is succinct and well organized, and an index that provides assistance in searching the text. Although illustrations and graphics are limited, they are in keeping with the content. Nursing information scientists should benefit from the addition of this book to their libraries. It brings understanding into a rapidly evolving and changing discipline and, by organizing the information of the past, provides insight into the potentials of the future.

From The Critics

Reviewer: Mary A. Curran, RN, PhD (University of North Carolina-Charlotte)
Description: This collection of classic nursing informatics papers and articles is arranged in five sections that represent basic knowledge areas of computer technology in nursing.
Purpose: This book "serves as one example of the transition of nursing knowledge of computer literacy as it developed for the profession." The principal editor can identify these transitions because she has been a leader in the field since its inception.
Audience: While the intended audience is not specifically stated, this book is not written for the neophyte. Content derived from proceedings, conferences, and workshops provides expert commentaries that are not readily available to the interested reader.
Features: This is a continuation of an earlier anthology (1981-1986) that presented the initial struggles of nursing informatics. Both are part of the Computers and Medicine Monograph Series and this one continues the quality tradition. Readers will find introductory material for each content area that is succinct and well organized, and an index that provides assistance in searching the text. Although illustrations and graphics are limited, they are in keeping with the content.
Assessment: Nursing information scientists should benefit from the addition of this book to their libraries. It brings understanding into a rapidly evolving and changing discipline and, by organizing the information of the past, provides insight into the potentials of the future.

4 Stars! from Doody