The Fourth International "Nursing Informatics '91" Preconference sessions held in Melbourne Australia on the 12th and 13th April 1991 hosted by the Nursing Computer Group, Victoria Inc. (N.C.G.V.) and I.M.I.A. Working Group 8. The aims of both the International Committee and the N.C.G.V.are to provide our Nursing Colleagues nationally and internationally with access to a wide range of information about computers awareness literacy, and, the sharing of experiences. As technology advances and nurses understand their particular practice setting needs, progress in the area of nursing informatics will be an expanding arena for Industry and knowledge. Papers such as those presented here will contribute greatly to the dissemination of todays knowledge base and hopefully assist in our expansion as we move toward the year 2000. The vision and subsequent motivation of hosting an International Informatics Meeting is that a few very dedicated nurses can encourage their colleagues to approach this newly defined specialty with openness and enthusiasm. If nurses are not able to attend these sessions the papers presented here demonstrate care and commitment to the learning opportunities afforded nurses in Australia and Internationally.