Structured analysis: methodology for developing a model for defining nursing information system requirements.

Including nurses in decisions to purchase or design information systems is an increasingly common phenomenon. Without previous informatics experience, nurses may need help defining specific requirements for information systems that will assist in managing and administering nursing care. The Model for Defining Nursing Information System Requirements was developed to serve as a guiding framework for deriving nursing information system (NIS) requirements. Structured analysis techniques were used to develop the model. The model was tested by surveying 75 registered nurses who had made decisions about NISs. Subjects supported the model's completeness and usefulness for defining NIS requirements.