This paper describes developments in the
use of information technology (IT) in
Dutch health care. Since it is impossible
to cover all current initiatives in the
nations' health care system, the
developments are described from the
viewpoint of the nursing profession.
Therefore the focus centres on users,
clinical systems and nursing systems.
However, more 'technology driven' issues
are addressed as well. After an outline of the 'history' of hospital information systems (HIS) and a brief description of several current initiatives in electronic patient records, electronic data interchange, chipcards and system integration across health institutions and agencies, the focus shifts to nursing
applications. Nurses in the Netherlands
use IT in clinical practice, in management
and in education. Research in nursing
informatics in the Netherlands is in its
infancy, however, some current research
will be discussed.