Critical role of information and communication technology in nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: AIM: To examine the need for information and communication technology (ICT)-based nursing care in improving patient management during the pandemic. BACKGROUND: Maintaining traditional approaches to nursing in the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic predisposes health care systems to a risk of diminished quality of care. Using ICT (real-time videoconferencing, mobile robots and artificial intelligence) could reduce burnout and infection risks by minimizing face-to-face contact. METHOD: Qualitative descriptive design with content analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 24 participants (14 nurses, six medical/nursing informatics experts and four technology experts) were interviewed. Three main themes were extracted: emerging challenges for nurses due to COVID-19, impact of new technology on patient and nurse experiences and concerns with implementation of technology. CONCLUSION: A significant portion of nurses' work was unrelated to professional nursing, causing burnout. ICT could help reduce nurses' burden by facilitating environmental management and non-contact communication and providing emotional support for patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Establishing an ICT-based nursing care system that considers the physical environment and communication infrastructure of health care institutions, user's digital health literacy and user safety to effectively manage non-nursing care-related activities and undertake tasks that can be delegated may improve the quality of care for quarantined patients and reduce risk of cross-infection.
Source: Journal of Nursing Management
DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13880
Authors: Hye Jin Yoo, Hyeongsuk Lee
Institutions: Dankook University, Gachon University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G2145770146, G5375073204
OpenAlex ID: W4308057903