1950's use of computers in healthcare industry growing. Initial use was for basic business office functions.1960's conducted studies on how computer technology could be utilized effectively in healthcare industry.
1970's nursing recognized potential for improving documentation, quality of patient care.
1980's personal computer (PC) emerged. PC's brought computing power to workplace and point of care. Informatics field emerged.
1990's technology became integral part of healthcare settings. Smaller and faster computers, laptops, notebooks used at point-of-care settings. Internet being used for high performance computing and communication or the "information superhighway" (Saba & McCormick, 2006).
Post-2000 continued with hardware and software development such as wireless point-of-care, wireless tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), and smart cell phone. Internet continues to provide a means for development of clinical applications.
2 comments:
Great recap on the history. I had no idea!!
Thanks Cathy, Deborah was the history informant on wireless technologies; we've appreciated her discoveries! Laura
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