Evaluation frameworks for nursing informatics

Rigorous evaluation of informatics applications in healthcare is important so that the impact of such systems can be understood. Although many quantitative methods have been employed to evaluate informatics systems, there is a growing trend to utilized qualitative methods during both the formative and summative phases of research. Several evaluation frameworks that have been proposed highlight the need for both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods in the development and post-implementation phases of informatics systems development. Recommendations regarding the timing, type and use of qualitative methods differ for each of these frameworks. This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of the published evaluation frameworks and enumerates the qualitative research methods in use in each of these frameworks.