Beyond Telemedicine Adoption: Assessing Telemedicine-Related Competencies Among Nurses in the United Arab Emirates

Telemedicine (TM) is increasingly integrated into health care delivery; however, its safe and effective implementation depends on the competency of the nursing workforce. Although previous research has examined TM utilization among nurses, evidence regarding TM competency levels remains limited.

To assess TM-related competencies across four domains: awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and skills among nurses in the United Arab Emirates, and identify factors associated with each domain.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 434 nurses working in governmental health care facilities. TM competencies were measured using a structured online questionnaire incorporating demographic characteristics and the validated TM Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills instrument. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate competency levels and their predictors.

Nurses demonstrated high TM knowledge (81.44 ± 22.27) and positive attitudes (81.42 ± 10.27), with 77.0% and 92.4% of participants scoring high in these domains, respectively. Awareness (55.89 ± 26.17) and skills (57.11 ± 23.01) were more moderate, with only 28.6% and 24.4% of nurses scoring high in these domains, respectively. Interest in TM was a positive predictor of competency across all domains (p < 0.001). Postgraduate education and TM training were associated with higher awareness, while male gender, postgraduate qualification, and higher interest predicted improved skill scores. Regression models explained 8-16% of variance across competency domains.

Although nurses demonstrated strong knowledge and positive attitudes toward TM, gaps remain in awareness and practical skills. Competency-based, skill-focused TM training is needed to support safe and sustainable integration into nursing practice.