From Paper to Pixels: A Descriptive Study on Nursing Care Plan Automation With Web and Mobile Apps

This study assessed the effectiveness of care plan automation through Web and mobile applications among nursing students. Many undergraduate nursing programs lack access to electronic medical records for educational purposes. Our work aimed to transform nursing care plans into easily accessible, auditable, and storable electronic forms using a developed automation system. Conducted at a nursing school, the descriptive study involved 169 nursing students practicing pediatric health and nursing courses. Data were collected using a questionnaire with 15 statements to measure the effectiveness of care plan automation. The mean age of participants was 21.69 ± 2.29, with a mean grade point average of 3.18 ± 0.58, and 77.5% were female. The highest-rated statement was that automation allowed students to keep and review care plans (mean, 4.34 ± 1.13), whereas the lowest was that it increased interest in care plans (mean, 3.91 ± 1.37). Students also found automation more satisfying (mean, 4.14 ± 1.23). Overall, the study found that nursing students rated care plan automation positively, indicating increased motivation and benefits and decreased challenges. Implementing this system in clinical practice may enhance students' education, efficiency, and motivation in care planning.