由於資訊科技的發展，使得電腦以及網路系統成為現代人必備的工具；而護理資料的專業性、複雜性與廣泛性，則相當適合以電腦資訊系統協助分析及管理，以達成高品質的照護目標。因此，隨著科技的進步以及臨床的需求，橫跨護理、電腦及資訊之特別學科—護理資訊學（nursing informatics）應蘊而生，美國已於1992年將護理資訊學涵括成為護理專業領域中的一環，而臺灣對此專業仍感陌生。本文將針對護理資訊學的定義、執業領域、教育養成及相關的專業團體作一簡介，期使國內護理界對此新領域有更深一層的認識。

　　　　　It is important to take advantage of advancements in information technology, computers, and the Internet to analyze, manage, and process nursing data to improve the delivery of high quality patient care. Nursing informatics (NI)-which combines nursing, computer, and information sciences-has been recognized as a nursing specialty in the United States since 1992, but is still considered a very new field in Taiwan. The authors introduce the concept by offering a definition of NI and giving descriptions of NI practices, education, and professional groups. The goal is to provide Taiwanese nurses with an informative overview of this specialty.