Perceived technology use, attitudes, and barriers among primary care nurses

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Nursing Technology Adoption
• Primary Healthcare Innovation

Background:

• Health information technology (HIT) offers potential benefits in primary healthcare, including enhanced quality of care, efficiency, and patient safety.
• However, understanding the adoption and acceptance of HIT among primary healthcare nurses remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and describe the acceptance and utilization of health information technology among nurses in primary healthcare settings.
• To identify factors influencing technology acceptance and use in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model.
• The study included 160 nurses from 18 randomly selected primary healthcare centres in the Western Cape, with a response rate of 58.1% (n=93).

Main Results:

• A majority of nurses (75%) reported positive attitudes and perceived usefulness and ease of use regarding HIT.
• Significant barriers included access (75%) and training (75%), with approximately 50% reporting inadequate computer and information access skills.
• HIT use varied, with high engagement in information seeking but lower reported ability in patient administration and management.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a complex landscape of technology acceptance among primary healthcare nurses, characterized by positive perceptions alongside significant challenges.
• Lack of computer and internet access, coupled with insufficient training, hinders effective HIT integration in primary healthcare settings.