Out of necessity: oncology nurses' experiences integrating the internet into practice

To understand the experiences of oncology nurses who use the Internet in their practice when their patients use the Internet for cancer care.

Heideggerian hermeneutics branch of phenomenology.

Oncology nurses were interviewed at their practice settings (n = 13), the researcher's office (n = 5), or their homes (n = 2).

20 nurses recruited from local and national Oncology Nursing Society meetings. Their practice sites were cancer centers, hospitals, clinics, veterans centers, communities, and Internet companies.

Data were collected by informal interviews that provided the narrative stories for hermeneutic analysis.

Internet use for cancer care, nurse-patient relationships, and Internet use for nursing practice.

Five related themes emerged: (a) varying degrees of Internet integration in the practice environment, (b) changing schools of thought, (c) developing Internet use for professional practice, (d) redefining relationships, and (e) new nursing skills. The two constitutive patterns are (a) integrating Internet into practice out of necessity and (b) reflecting historical changes in practice patterns influenced by technology.

Nurses who use the Internet are developing new practice patterns that incorporate technology and foster nurse-patient partnerships. Practice environments either foster or hinder technology use. Nurse computer competency is essential.

Findings reflect the influence of adapting technology on practice. Internet use is a catalyst for redefining nurse-patient relationships into partnerships. The movement suggests a need for nurse Internet competencies, environmental support, and consideration for patient access (digital divide). Evaluation of content in nursing curricula and of patient competencies is advised. Further research on patient experiences is recommended.