Moderating effect of self-control on the relationship between critical thinking disposition and nursing informatics...

As the healthcare environment changes rapidly due to the spread of information and communication technology (ICT), nursing fields require nursing informatics competency to effectively utilize vast amounts of information, along with the ability to understand and utilize ICT. In addition, critical thinking competency, which is the ability to efficiently use nursing information systems and critically analyze and solve complex problems, has been emphasized. Previous studies have reported on nursing informatics competency and critical thinking or critical thinking disposition; however, few have identified moderators or mediators in these relationships. This study evaluated the mediating effect of self-control on the relationship between critical thinking disposition and nursing informatics competency.

This study involved a secondary analysis of data from 235 questionnaires of undergraduate students from two Korean cities between October and November 2022. A direct questionnaire was used to collect the data. The study variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and a model tested using the Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 1) moderation model.

The mean scores for critical thinking disposition, self-control, and nursing informatics competency were 3.79 ± 0.52, 3.42 ± 0.60, and 3.80 ± 0.50, respectively. Critical thinking disposition and self-control were positively correlated with nursing informatics competency. In the moderation model, self-control had a conditional moderating effect on the relationship between critical thinking disposition and nursing informatics competency. The positive effect of critical thinking disposition on nursing informatics competency increased as self-control increased.

Critical thinking disposition and self-control may be important determinants of nursing informatics competency among undergraduate nursing students. To effectively increase nursing informatics competency, critical thinking disposition should be enhanced through educational programs or training with content, including increasing self-control.