Generational Differences in Hospital Technology Adoption: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Healthcare Technology Adoption
• Human-Computer Interaction in Healthcare

Background:

• Technological advancements in healthcare necessitate skilled nurses for safe and efficient care.
• Limited research exists on generational differences in healthcare technology adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors influencing technology adoption among nurses.
• To explore the relationship between demographic factors, computer skills, and clinical technological device (CTD) competency.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 63 nurses.
• Self-administered questionnaire assessing competency in 20 CTD-related skills.
• Multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate predictors of CTD skills.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported high overall competency in CTDs (mean score 3.74/5).
• Hospital employment duration and prior technology exposure were significant predictors of higher CTD skills.
• Generational cohort, gender, years of experience, and computer proficiency did not correlate with CTD skills.

Conclusions:

• Consistent exposure to healthcare technology is key to enhancing its adoption.
• Generational differences were not found to influence nurses' perceived technology competency at Humber River Hospital.