Nurses and Nursing Students' Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding the Use of Technology in Patient Care: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review

Advancements in information technology and computer science have resulted in the development of computerized healthcare information systems. Information technology can optimize patient care through providing immediate electronic education. The purpose of this mixed-methods systematic review was to synthesize evidence from studies exploring nurses and nursing students' attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of technology in patient care. Electronic databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Education Full Text, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, and ERIC were searched. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Convergent integrated synthesis was conducted. Eight studies were included. Technologies used in the reviewed studies include smartphones (n = 4) and Web-based information/educational resources (n = 4). Overall, nurses and nursing students' attitudes and beliefs regarding the use of smartphone applications were positive. When compared with other healthcare professionals, nurses were more likely to have access to Web-based resources and to appraise the importance of such resources in patient education. Nurses and nursing students are in a prime position to use technology in patient care and education. It is important therefore that nurses' positive attitudes toward technology be reinforced to increase the use and application of Web-based and smartphone technologies in clinical practice.