Perception and attitude of specialist nurses on "Internet + Nursing Service": a mixed-methods study with qualitative...

The implementation of "Internet + Nursing Service" in economically underdeveloped and culturally diverse regions, such as Yunnan Province, China, presents particular challenges, although it has emerged as a crucial solution to address global aging concerns.

In addition to qualitatively examining the viewpoints of patients and families as service recipients, this study aimed to understand how specialized nurses perceived and felt about the "Internet + Nursing Service."

From 1 January to 30 June 2024, a convergent mixed-methods study was carried out. In Yunnan Province, China, a total of 1,200 specialist nurses participated in a cross-sectional survey. Twelve participants-five patients and seven family caregivers-who had used an online nursing service participated in semi-structured interviews at the same time. Multiple linear regression, univariate analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to examine qualitative data. The quantitative results were explained, contextualized, and elaborated upon using the qualitative themes.

The attitude of specialist nurses toward "Internet + Nursing Service" was good (mean 3.90 ± 0.69), but their perception was only moderate (mean 3.31 ± 0.64). Nurses' perception scores were substantially correlated with employment position, educational level, institutional implementation, and individual participation (all p < 0.05), according to the regression analysis. Convenience was cited as a major advantage in qualitative interviews with patients and family caregivers, which supported this optimistic outlook. The thematic analysis, however, uncovered a complex "awareness-sophistication gap" marked by a lack of comprehension of the service's specific requirements and a superficial familiarity with it. The analysis found that economic constraints and safety concerns were important moderators of acceptance. The comprehensive study shows that the main challenges to service scale-up are not attitudinal resistance but rather informational and structural limitations.

Despite the positive perceptions of "Internet + Nursing Service" held by both service recipients and specialist nurses, there remains a substantial knowledge gap. Along with unresolved safety concerns and budgetary barriers, this gap is a significant lever for intervention. Hospital administrators and policymakers should prioritize targeted awareness campaigns that elucidate the unique nature of the service, alongside structural improvements intended to enhance safety protocols and expand insurance coverage.