A blueprint for integrating nursing informatics into undergraduate nursing programs: A multiple-case study in...

This study aimed to develop a blueprint based on empirical data to guide the integration of nursing informatics (NI) into undergraduate nursing programs.

This study employed a qualitative, holistic multiple-case study design, allowing each case to be examined as an integrated contextual system. Data were obtained from four cases-two from Australian universities and two from South African universities-all of which were public institutions offering undergraduate nursing programs. Twenty-one academic staff participated. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, document review, and field observations. The documents reviewed included national digital health strategies, health informatics and NI standards, nursing education policies, accreditation standards, and curriculum guidelines. Materials from institutions-including subject outlines, program handbooks, and teaching policies-were also reviewed to gain a better understanding of how NI was integrated in each case. An individual case analysis employed conventional content analysis, followed by a cross-case thematic comparison. Data collection and analysis were conducted iteratively until saturation was achieved.

This study highlighted the need for NI in undergraduate nursing programs. Foundational competencies, such as computer and information literacy, and advanced NI competencies, including digital health literacy, data security, and privacy literacy, alongside other competencies, were identified across varying levels of proficiency. Data from four cases led to the development of a blueprint to guide the integration of NI into undergraduate curricula. It comprises eight context-responsive steps, including situational and training needs analysis, NI competency identification and mapping against national and international standards, NI content development, sequencing NI content and experience, NI content review, implementation, and evaluation. The blueprint promotes responsive curricula that strengthen NI capabilities and readiness for digital healthcare.

The blueprint aligns with nursing education priorities, workforce needs, and emerging technologies, thereby supporting NI competency development that advances digitally transformed healthcare.