Nurses and information technology

Abstract

[Executive Summary]: Synopsis: A study of 10,000 nurses in Australia (44% response rate) on their use of information technology has clearly identified that nurses recognise benefits to adopting more information technology in the workplace. They are however frustrated by limitations of access to the technology; software that is not always fit for purpose; and lack of opportunities for training. The level of use of information technology and information management systems is generally low and confidence in use is low even among those nurses who are users. There is evidence that familiarity, use and confidence in use are slightly higher in nurses who have recent tertiary education. Nurses feel poorly informed about information technology health initiatives and poorly consulted about implementation of these initiatives. Workload, number of computers, inadequate technical support and lack of training are principal barriers to the use of information technology. Technical support is especially poor in more remote locations. Neither the full potential of information technology in the provision of health and aged care nor the recognition by all nurses that information technology is an integral part of nursing will be realised until these limitations are addressed.