The status of training and education in information and computer technology of Australia's nurses: a national survey

Abstract

[Abstract]: Aims and objectives: A study was undertaken of the current knowledge and future training requirements of nurses in information and computer technology (ICT) to inform policy to meet national goals for health. Background: The role of the modern clinical nurse is intertwined with ICT and adoption of such technology forms an important component of national strategies in health. The majority of nurses are expected to use ICT during their work however the full extent of their knowledge and experience are unclear. Design: Self-administered postal survey. Methods: A 78 item questionnaire was distributed to 10,000 Australian Nursing Federation members to identify the nurses’ use of ICT. Eighteen items related to nurses’ training and education in ICT. Results: Response rate was 44%. Computers were used by 86.3% of respondents as part of their work related activities. Between 4-17% of nurses had received training in each of 11 generic computer skills and software applications during their pre-registration/enrolment and between 12-30% as continuous professional education. Nurses who had received training believed that it was adequate to meet the needs of their job and was given at an appropriate time. Almost half of the respondents indicated that they required more training to better meet the ICT requirements of their jobs and a quarter believed that their level of computer literacy was restricting their career development. Nurses considered that the vast majority of employers did not encourage ICT training and for those for whom training was available workload was the major barrier to uptake. Nurses favoured introduction of a national competency standard in ICT. Conclusions: For the considerable benefits of ICT to be incorporated fully into the health system employers must pay more attention to the training and education of nurses who are the largest users of that technology.