Sheila A. Ryan

Expertise: The basis for expert system development

Expert systems in nursing are developed with traditional knowledge engineering techniques. These techniques focus on the behavior and logic of the expert, not qualities of expertise. Expertise has been described but not explained. This article proposes a theoretical framework for the study of expertise that can be used to facilitate the development of expert systems.

The Effect of a Professional Practice Model on Staff Nurse Perception of Work Groups and Nurse Leaders

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to measure the effect of an enhanced professional practice model on perception of work groups and nurse leaders. BACKGROUND Previous studies of staff nurse perception of work environment and nurse leaders were used to guide development of the professional practice model and the selection of variables. Implementation of the model was expected to result in more favorable perceptions of the work group and a desire for facilitative leadership style. METHODS A quasi-experimental design was used to compare change over time in five-hospitals--an urban medical center, two community hospitals, and two rural hospitals. FINDINGS Introduction of the model resulted in more favorable perceptions about the work group and a desire for a more facilitative nurse leader. CONCLUSION Change in perception of work group and leader rather than job satisfaction may be an early indication of favorable outcome of planned change. Changes in nurse satisfaction may be a late outcome, which may be the reason findings from previous studies are mixed.

Building Community: Developing Skills for Interprofessional Health Professions Education and Relationship-Centered Care

In 1995, the National League for Nursing commissioned a Panel on Interdisciplinary/Transdisciplinary Education. The focus of the Panels work was to examine educational issues that transcend the health professions and to make recommendations for future implementation of an interdisciplinary approach to addressing them. This article is being simultaneously published by several professional journals. The goal is to seek as much feedback as possible.

Testing of a Computer-Based Decisions Support System in an Acute Care Hospital

The increasing need for professional nursing care has emphasized the necessity of efficient use of current nursing resources. Speeding the care planning process and minimizing work load are two possible methods for improving nursing efficiency, thereby decreasing occupational stress and promoting quality of patient care. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a computer-based decision-support system on nursing climate and patient outcome in acute care hospital units. It was projected that a decision-support system would benefit the nursing climate by providing information needed by nurses to complete accurate and appropriate care plans for hospitalized patients. It was expected that nurse role satisfaction would increase due to decreased work load and increased confidence in quality of care. It was projected that patients would also perceive this increase in quality of nursing care.