[The impact of information and communication technologies on nurse retention]

The purpose of this study was to determine the potential impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on nursing practice and nurse retention in remote, intermediate and peripheral regions of Quebec, Canada.

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews (n=21) was conducted among nursing managers from 16 health and social services centers (French acronym: CSSS) in the province of Quebec.

The study found that a range of ICT applications are used, though not to the same extent in all organizations. The participants assessed the impact of computerization and telehealth applications on nursing practice and emphasized the relationships between telehealth and nurse retention, particularly through professional development. The participants also reported that ICTs can have different impacts on nurse retention (i.e. little or no impact, unclear impact, or indirect positive impact).

The main findings indicate significant heterogeneity, both in terms of the nursing shortage and in terms of the integration of ICT in nursing practice. While focusing on a comparative approach, future research should further explore the impact of ICT on nursing practice and, indirectly, on nurse retention, which requires a contextual approach to ICT applications and workplaces and an analysis of staff characteristics.