A study of factors related to the use of online resources by nurse educators

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from nurse educators related to the use of online electronic resources for scholarly pursuits. The 35-question survey was divided into 4 sections, Environment, Stressor, Utilization, and Demographics information. Two open-ended questions were also included to allow respondents to elaborate on factors that they believed facilitated or detracted from use of online resources but were not adequately covered in the survey. Data were received from 489 respondents who were faculty members currently teaching in 1 of 38 colleges or universities located in the 6 New England states offering a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis revealed that many of the same issues, previously reported as deterrents to the use of computers, also play a significant role in preventing the use of online resources. The two open-ended questions provided clarification of facilitators and detractors to use of online resources and were used to understand better the quantitative results. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations for administrators, educators, staff developers, and technical support personnel are discussed.