This article compares three popular point of care tools (PoCTs) for nurses: Nursing Reference Center Plus, ClinicalKey for Nursing, and UpToDate. We analyze their features, usability, and relevance to nursing practice based on a survey of 76 registered nurses. Our findings highlight the importance of considering nurses’ specific needs and preferences when selecting a PoCT.
Key Features Comparison of Point of Care Tools
Choosing the right point of care tool is crucial for nurses to access reliable information quickly. This comparison chart summarizes key features of Nursing Reference Center Plus, ClinicalKey for Nursing, and UpToDate:
| Feature | Nursing Reference Center Plus | ClinicalKey for Nursing | UpToDate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Clarity | 5.12 ± 1.5 | 5.3 ± 1.2 | 5.6 ± 1.2 |
| Relevance | 5.0 ± 1.7 | 5.2 ± 1.4 | 5.6 ± 1.4 |
| Currency | 5.4 ± 1.4 | 5.4 ± 1.4 | 5.7 ± 1.2 |
| Navigation | 5.1 ± 1.5 | 5.3 ± 1.2 | 5.5 ± 1.4 |
| Labeling | 5.4 ± 1.3 | 5.4 ± 1.2 | 5.6 ± 1.3 |
| Filtering | 4.6 ± 2.0 | 4.5 ± 2.0 | 5.3 ± 1.5 |
Figure 2
Figure: Nurses’ stated familiarity with PoCTs.
Survey Methodology and Results
A survey was administered to 76 registered nurses at a large urban midwestern hospital. Participants used each PoCT to answer three clinical questions and then rated them based on clarity, relevance, currency, navigation, labeling, and filtering. No statistically significant difference in overall ratings was found between the three PoCTs (p > .05).
Discussion of Findings
While UpToDate demonstrated slightly higher ratings in several categories, the overall lack of significant differences suggests that individual preferences and institutional priorities should guide PoCT selection. Open-ended survey responses revealed themes related to ease of use, content relevance, search functionality, and perceived audience.
Some nurses expressed a preference for simpler interfaces, while others desired more robust search features. Several comments highlighted the need for PoCTs to cater specifically to the information needs of bedside nurses, including practical guidelines, protocols, and readily applicable information.
Table: Evaluation Criteria for Likert Questions.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This Point Of Care Tools Comparison Chart underscores the importance of involving nurses in the decision-making process when selecting a PoCT. Librarians and nursing leadership should collaborate to provide training on effective search strategies and ensure that chosen resources align with the specific needs of nursing staff. Future research incorporating user experience methodologies could provide deeper insights into nurses’ information-seeking behaviors and optimize PoCT design. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach considering both objective data and subjective feedback is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of PoCTs in nursing practice.
