Abstract: This project undertakes a critique and review of a decade (1990-2000) of available New Zealand literature to reveal the current state of nursing informatics utilisation in nursing practice. Since the early 1990s, nurses from diploma and baccalaureate nursing programs have been graduating with knowledge and skills in nursing informatics. Yet, when scrutinising the two main nursing publications for New Zealand, the author found scant publication of articles that pertain to this topic area of nursing. Competencies as product of the 1989 Guidelines for Teaching Nursing Informatics are a key consideration in this discussion, including ways in which the articles may reflect the content or intent of the Nursing Informatics curriculum as prescribed in these guidelines. This commentary discusses how nursing informatics has evolved in New Zealand nursing practice, situating its growth, or lack of, in the context of concurrent sociopolitical influences as well as conditions created by national and international nursing trends. Several recommendations are discussed to guide the future direction of nursing informatics for nursing education and practice in New Zealand.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the practice of flexible learning for postgraduate nurses. Flexible learning is a contemporary approach to learning that utilises the benefits of technology. Flexible learning can be understood as a continuum, from fully on-line or web-based courses, to those that are on-campus and supported by technology. Internationally, the rise of flexible learning has been influenced by increased demand for higher education and competition among providers within the context of reduced education funding. The study population, New Zealand postgraduate nurses, are accessing higher education in increasing numbers to advance their practice and to position themselves for new roles and opportunities. These are often experienced nurses yet inexperienced in higher university education, who combine study, work and other commitments. The study employed a qualitative case study design because it enabled multiple perspectives to be gained. Data included documentation, participant observation, survey, students' assessed work and interviews with key stakeholders: student, teacher and the organisation. Thematic analysis was conducted on reviewed documentation, participant observation and interviews. The study identifies the elements that contribute to flexible learning and the interconnectedness between the elements within the dynamic context of a university to illustrate that effective flexible learning can be provided by using a student centred approach to ensure the learning needs of postgraduate nurses are met. The author concludes that flexible learning improved access, choice, and provided an emphasis on the student as central to learning. In response to these findings the weighting of recommendations are toward the organisation as, the author suggests, it is at this level where greater change can be made to improve support for flexible learning provision.

Abstract: This article firstly describes the application of technological care practices in elder care, and then looks at the attitudes of the elderly and their families towards this care. The value of the equipment in terms of quality of care is considered, and a discussion of the continuing education needs of nurses is presented. The ethical questions around the use of technology are examined, along with possible strategies to deal with such issues.

Abstract: An invited paper for the initial issue of the IJHI. Adapted from a paper presented at the annual conference of Nursing Informatics New Zealand, 1991 (subsequently incorporated into the collective organisation, Health Informatics, NZ.

Abstract: M-Learning compliments and supports E-Learning and incorporates technologies such as the use of mobile phones, PDAs and pod casting. A sub function of M-Learning is M-Support which is the provision of support for the mobile student. This paper describes a pilot project using short message service – mobile technology -to M-support nursing students in primary health care clinical placements. Forty one students took part in a mixed methods study to assess the project against a pre determined set of criteria. The results indicated that students did feel supported by the messages, cost was not prohibitive, flexibility in communication was appreciated, and the acceptance was high.

Abstract: Mobile computing is rapidly becoming a reality in New Zealand health care settings. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are the most frequently used of these mobile technologies, giving nurses access to clinical learning resources, including drug references, medical encyclopaedias and diagnostic information. The implementation of mobile computing at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) will ensure graduates of our Bachelor of Nursing Programme are able to meet health care service demands for knowledge in contemporary information technologies as well as the information technology requirements defined by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003 for registration as a nurse in New Zealand. This paper presents strategies for the implementation of mobile computing as a core element of the curriculum for the Bachelor of Nursing Programme at Wintec in Hamilton.

Abstract: Explores how current nursing and health-care practices can be designed to facilitate effective type 1 diabetes (T1D) self-management in young adults aged 16-25 years. Reviews quantitative and qualitative literature published between 2017 and 2021. Identifies four themes by means of thematic analysis: digital information systems; glucose monitoring and insulin devices; group- and peer-education and peer support; diabetes care delivery style. Highlights the importance of adopting age-appropriate interventions to improve young adults' engagement in T1D self-management, requiring nurses and health-care practitioners to keep up to date with the rapid changes in digital technology and diabetes-related device technology.