Nurses, pharmacists, and information technology in public healthcare

The purpose of this study was to explore the healthcare professional’s experience during the implementation of information technology. The focus is on the implementation of a computerized medication ordering, dispensing, and tracking system in acute care departments of a 600- bed public hospital. Spradley’s qualitative, ethnographic research methods were used to discover the personal meaning of the implementation. How do pharmacists and nurses feel about the implementation of an advanced technology system? Are there any barriers to implementation? Findings suggest a resistance to implementation by professionals in the disciplines of Pharmacy and Nursing. Resistance is based on their perceptions of a need for training, technical and managerial support, process planning, as well as dissatisfaction with the technology. In response, nurses have devised methods to circumvent the system. Findings also suggest that preexisting organizational culture affects implementation of information technology