Computers in patient education.

Full Abstract

Nurses in practice have an increasing need to become aware of the computer-based resources available and the evidence regarding their use in the process of patient education. This synthesis of the literature examines research related to computer-based patient education. A particular focus is placed on the nurse clinician's perspective and the role of the nurse as a patient educator in the digital age. Two primary healthcare database resources, MEDLINE and CINAHL, were selected for review of the current literature. A listing of articles related to the use of computer technology in patient education was obtained from both of these databases. The search strategy included exploding the subject heading terms "computer" and "patient education," and included articles from 1971 to 2001. Computer-based patient education is an effective strategy for improving healthcare knowledge and clinical outcomes. Computer-based learning can be tailored to the individual's age and specific learning needs. Furthermore, although access to computer-based resources continues to be a barrier for some, socioeconomic disparities have no reported impact on patients' abilities to use computer-based technologies effectively.

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Author information

Author/s: Lewis, Deborah (D);

Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 415 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. deblewis(-atsign-)pitt.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Computers, informatics, nursing : CIN (Comput Inform Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2003 Mar-Apr; vol 21 (issue 2) : pp 88-96

Dates: Created 2003/06/13; Completed 2003/07/21; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 12802949, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Information Dissemination
Internet
Nursing Staff
Patient Education as Topic - methods

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