An informatics competency model for undergraduate nursing students: A quasi-experimental study

Developing nursing informatics competencies in undergraduate nursing students is critical. However, existing curricula often emphasize basic computer and internet skills rather than competency-based preparation aligned with authentic informatics roles and project-based practice, contributing to a persistent theory - practice gap. The Nursing Informatics Competency Organizational (NICO) model provides a structured framework for competency development in nursing informatics.

To examine the effectiveness of a NICO model-based nursing informatics course in improving nursing informatics competency among first-year undergraduate nursing students.

A quasi-experimental study.

Instructional materials were developed based on the "Nursing Information System Project Management" component of the NICO model, emphasizing user-centered needs and experiential learning. Participants were allocated to an experimental group (n = 40), which received NICO-based project management training in addition to computer literacy, or a control group (n = 40), which received general computer courses only. The intervention comprised nine weekly 90-minute sessions. Outcomes were measured using a nursing informatics competency self-assessment scale, a project experience assessment questionnaire, student feedback, project outputs, and a self-developed scoring tool.

Participants in the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in nursing informatics competencies compared with those in the control group (t = 2.770, P = 0.007). Significant gains were observed in informatics roles, basic computer knowledge and skills, and wireless device competencies (t = 2.279, 2.461, and 3.118, respectively, all P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in applied computer skills or clinical informatics attitudes. Six group-based projects were completed, with reports graded at a B level. Learning satisfaction was high (mean score 96.03 ± 9.10 out of 105).

Integrating a NICO-based approach into undergraduate nursing education may support the development of selected nursing informatics competencies and promote high learner satisfaction. These findings provide practical insights for refining project-based informatics training in nursing education.