Abstract

Nurse leaders from a sample of acute care and long-term care sites participating in the Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care program in Ontario provided information on their experiences with HOBIC implementation. In addition, they described strategies to enhance successful implementation of the program. Finally, they discussed the potential future uses they envisioned for healthcare settings from the HOBIC data.

Organizational benefits, such as data comparability, effective patient care planning and delivery and enhancement of nurses' technology skills were identified. Challenges that were highlighted included attaining buy-in from staff nurses, integration of HOBIC into existing computer systems and the subsequent computer and information technology challenges related to implementing such a program. Additional education and support for nursing staff and management were suggested as approaches for overcoming barriers.

This survey demonstrates interest and commitment to HOBIC from many nurse leaders in Ontario and highlights the value that such a program provides for staff nurses in the planning and implementation of care. Nurse leaders in Ontario are keenly aware of the important potential that HOBIC data can provide for high-quality patient care and have identified key factors that need to be considered with the implementation of such a program.