Narrative review on nurses' innovative use of information systems and digital health roles
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Key Takeaway
Consider nurses as key drivers in digital health innovation, but address policy and training barriers first.
This is a narrative review that synthesizes literature on nurses' innovative use of information systems (NIS) and their role in digital health. The authors argue that nurses are key drivers in NIS innovation, shifting from passive users to proactive contributors. They conclude that nurse-led initiatives can improve patient safety, documentation, and care efficiency.
The review identifies significant barriers to NIS innovation, including inconsistent policies, inadequate digital training, and unequal system access. The authors acknowledge these limitations and note that the evidence base is qualitative, without pooled effect sizes or primary trial data.
Practice relevance is framed cautiously. The authors suggest advancing NIS innovation may require a policy shift from basic functional training toward structural empowerment. They position nurses as system co-designers and recommend protected resources and formal incentive mechanisms to foster a sustainable digital nursing ecosystem.
The review does not report specific study populations, interventions, comparators, or adverse events. It is a qualitative synthesis without quantitative effect sizes. The authors' conclusions are based on observed trends and should be interpreted with appropriate caution.
View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundDespite the widespread adoption of Nursing Information Systems (NIS), nurses often remain positioned as passive users, which limits the potential for system-driven care transformation.ObjectivesThis narrative review synthesizes evidence on nurses’ innovative use behaviors in NIS to identify actionable pathways for empowering nurses as co-designers of digital health solutions.MethodsA synthesis of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP. Studies were selected based on relevance to nurses’ roles in NIS innovation following the SANRA principles.ResultsNurses are key drivers in NIS innovation, shifting from passive users to proactive contributors to digital health. Evidence shows nurse-led initiatives improve patient safety, documentation, and care efficiency. Theories explain how nurses adapt NIS to clinical needs, especially in resource-limited settings. However, barriers remain, including inconsistent policies, inadequate digital training, and unequal system access.DiscussionAdvancing NIS innovation may require a policy shift from basic functional training toward structural empowerment. Policymakers and healthcare leaders should consider positioning nurses as system co-designers, providing protected resources and formal incentive mechanisms to foster a sustainable digital nursing ecosystem.
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