Predictors of nurse adoption of a computerized information system as an innovation

This descriptive study focused on factors that influence the diffusion and adoption of an innovation after it is first introduced to members of a social system. A dearth of knowledge exists in this area regarding nurses as adopters and information technology as the innovation. The purpose of the study was to explore a set of individual, technological, and organizational characteristics as predictors of hospital nurse adoption of a computerized information system (CIS) as an innovation. A computerized system for staffing, scheduling and productivity management was selected as the innovation. The sample included 193 staff nurses and 34 nurse managers in one large teaching research hospital. A self-report written survey method was used to test a set of 12 independent variables in relation to innovation adoption. Using multiple regression analysis, 50% of the variance in adoption was explained by all 12 predictors (p < .001). The results suggest that focus on the perceived advantages of an innovation, the perceived need, values held by peers regarding the innovation and use of communication mechanisms facilitate nurse adoption of a computerized information system as an innovation.