Journal of advanced nursing
-
The 'information explosion' presents a significant challenge to the nursing profession. One way to assist access to information is to provide electronic information resources at the point of care. A large-scale survey of nurses working in the public health system in New South Wales, Australia, was undertaken as part of a 2-year evaluation of the Clinical Information Access Program (CIAP). This is a website which provides 24 hour, online access to a range of evidence sources at the point of care. ⋯ Use of online evidence was associated with nursing role, and with managerial and organizational support. Diffusion of innovation theory can help to explain some of the patterns observed. The use and impact of online evidence should be interpreted in the context of nursing practice and culture.