Attitudes of Australian nurses to information technology in the workplace: a national survey

Abstract

This paper reports selected findings of a national study which aimed to ascertain the attitudes of Australian nurses to their current use of information technology in the workplace and their preparedness to adopt new initiatives such as electronic health records. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in 2005 by questionnaire mailed to 10,000 nurse members of the Australian Nursing Federation. The response rate was 43.3%. Computers were used for work by 83% of respondents, mostly for accessing patient records, patients' results and internal communication. Only 40% of nurses considered that computers have made their work easier, with many complaining of duplication of effect and increased errors associated with data entry. Fewer than 20% of nurses used computers regularly for telehealth or on-line information systems supporting evidence-based practice. Respondents however recognise the benefits of information technology and were largely enthusiastic about its greater adoption into the workplace. Nurses did not consider their age was a barrier to use of the technology. Results show that for nurses to fully embrace information technology as a part of nursing more consultation is required and issues such as applications that are fit for purpose and location of point of data entry must be addressed.