This article illustrates how nursing theory can be used in a computerized nursing information system (CNIS). Before development of such a system can begin, data relationships must be specified so that: (a) the relationships are specific enough to support a computerized relational base and (b) the resultant information can support nursing science. Both goals were achieved through three interrelated processes: (a) validation of a practice model based on Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory, (b) classification of clinical data into theory-related categories, and (c) establishment of data relationships to yield meaningful information.
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