Media Release
25 July 2007
Study shows significant barriers to nurses' use of information technology
The ANF today released the results of a study of 10,000 nurses (44% response rate) on their access to and the barriers to nurses' use of information technology in the workplace.
The project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing with the research being conducted by a team from the University of Southern Queensland.
The study clearly identified that, although nurses recognise the benefits of adopting more information technology in the workplace, they are frustrated by limitations of access, software that is not always fit for purpose, and lack of opportunities for training.
The level of use of information technology is generally low and confidence is low even among those nurses who are users. The aged care sector scored the lowest on all parameters studied.
Nurses feel poorly informed about information technology health initiatives and poorly consulted about their implementation.
Workload, number of computers, inadequate technical support and lack of training are the principal barriers to the use of information technology. Technical support is especially poor in more remote locations. Nurses feel the full potential of information technology use in the provision of health and aged care will not be realised until these limitations are addressed.
The study recommended further research into the development of national information technology competency standards for nurses and their incorporation into all nursing courses and the adoption of a national information technology standard for nurses in Australia, such as the international computer driving license.
The study also recommended that governments and employers should consult with nurses when planning new information technology initiatives; provide twenty-four hour technical support; and provide all nurses with access to the internet at work.
Click here to view a copy of the report.
The ANF, representing 150,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in
Media inquiries
Jill Iliffe, Federal Secretary: 0419 576 590
Fiona Armstrong, Federal Professional Officer: 0438 900 005
Professor Desley Hegney: 0410 095 509