Perceptions and Intentions of Nursing Students Regarding Digital Health: Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Digital Health Technologies
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The rapid integration of digital health technologies (DHTs) necessitates enhanced digital competencies among nursing students.
• Limited data exist on nursing students' preparedness for DHTs in Quebec amidst curricular reforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nursing students' perceptions, self-reported competencies, and willingness to engage with DHTs.
• To identify differences in digital health preparedness across academic years.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive survey was administered to 136 nursing students from three academic cohorts.
• Data were collected via an online questionnaire assessing digital health competencies, attitudes, training coverage, and intentions.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and ANOVAs with post hoc tests.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in digital competencies and tool access were observed among cohorts.
• Third-year students reported higher proficiency in electronic medical records, virtual reality, and clinical databases compared to first-year students.
• Despite positive attitudes, perceived training coverage for most DHTs was low, indicating a gap between expectations and actual training.

Conclusions:

• Critical gaps in digital health training for nursing students necessitate targeted curricular reforms.
• Aligning educational content with evolving healthcare demands is crucial for preparing future nurses.
• Developing digital competencies is essential for nurses to navigate and lead in technology-driven care environments.