Effortlessness and Security: Nurses' Positive Experiences With Work-Related Information Technology Use

Nurses' well-being at work has been an increasing concern the past few years, in particular in connection with work-related information technology use. Researchers have thus been called to explore ways of fostering nurses' well-being at work. However, little is known about the factors related to information technology that contribute to nurses' positive experience of and well-being at work. In this study, we sought to understand the appraisals and emotions at the core of nurses' positive experiences with information technology use at work. We conducted focus groups and semistructured interviews with 15 ward nurses working at a large Swedish hospital. The data were analyzed qualitatively using process and causation coding. We found appraisals of easy goal accomplishment, doing less of a particular task, knowing what the situation is and what has to be done, mastering the system, reduced risk of mistakes and omissions, and assured access to patient information. Using design theory, we connected these appraisals with four positive emotions: joy, relief, confidence, and relaxation. These findings suggest that effortlessness and security are central to nurses' positive experience of information technology. Implementing information technology-related features and practices associated with them in healthcare organizations may foster nurses' well-being at work.