The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for the study of the process of adoption of nursing information systems. The theory of interactionism, borrowed from the field of personality psychology, provides a framework within which one can begin to understand variation in reactions to a new computer system. This theory states that behavior is a function of the individual in interaction with his or her environment. In order to understand reactions to computerization we must take into account characteristics of the individuals learning to use the new system as well as characteristics of the environment (which would include characteristics of the new system). Characteristics of the individuals and the environment interact in complex ways to determine response to computerization. Individual and environmental characteristics of potential relevance to reactions to nursing information systems are presented. An ongoing study is described concerning nurses' reactions to a hospital information system utilizing the theoretical framework of interactionism.
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