Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Health Care Professionals is an introduction to the computer technology used by nurses & other health care professionals. Offering an overview of informatics, as well as practical information for day-to-day use. Book jacket.

Cynthia Mascara is a Principal Consultant with Siemens Medical Solutions-Health Services and previously served in nursing services and administration at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The original idea for this book came from the realization that there were few comprehensive sources available with practical information about computer applications and information systems in health care. From its inception this book was envisioned as a guide for nurses and other health care professionals who need to learn how to adapt and use computer applications in the workplace. As the outline developed, it became apparent that this book could also serve as an informatics text for students in the health care professions. This third edition contains updates and revisions to reflect changes that have occurred in the rapidly evolving technology of health. Each of the authors has a long-standing interest and involvement in nursing informatics, having worked in the field; been active in informatics groups, and presented nationally and internationally. ORGANIZATION The book is divided into three sections. The first section, General Computer Information, reviews information common to all information systems. It assumes no prior knowledge or experience with computers. Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the role of informatics in contemporary health care. Chapter 2 reviews basic information and terminology related to computer hardware and software. The section on the roles of various support personnel has been expanded, with content added on wireless and mobile computing. Chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of maintaining data integrity and suggests some practical steps to ensure current, accurate data in health care information systems. The fourth chapter addresses basic Internet use to support health care. The discussion on search tools has been expanded and content has been added on the evaluation of Web sites. Additional information on Internet use and resources are found in the appendices at the end of the book. The second section, Health Care Information Systems, covers information and issues related to the use of computers and information systems in health care. This section bridges the gap between the theory and practice of nursing informatics. Chapter 5 covers basic information on health care information systems, including decision support and expert systems. Chapters 6 through 14 discuss all aspects of selecting, implementing, and operating these systems. Chapters 6 through 9 discuss the processes of overall and system strategic planning, system selection, implementation, and training. Chapter 8 contains additional information on testing, system evaluation, and strategies to implement system changes after system installation. Other pertinent topics are addressed in the remaining chapters. Chapter 10 discusses information security and confidentiality; Chapter 11, system integration; and Chapter 12, the Electronic Health Record. Chapter 13, Regulatory and Accreditation Issues, has been updated to reflect the implications of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and in particular the impact on nursing informatics and health care professionals. Chapter 14 covers contingency planning and disaster recovery. Section III covers three specialty applications of computers in health care. Chapter 15 discusses ways that computers can support health care education. It contains content on Web-based education as well as the use of wireless and handheld computers in education. Chapter 16, Telehealth, discusses the applications and issues associated with this area of practice. Chapter 17 looks at ways that computers are being used in nursing and health care research. The major themes of privacy, confidentiality, and information security are woven throughout the book. Three appendices are included at the end of the book. The first two provide detailed information on getting up and running on the Internet and using the Internet to perform a job search. The third appendix provides suggested answers to the case studies that are found at the end of every chapter. FEATURES E