Exploring Nurse Use of Digital Nursing Technology.

Technological developments and nursing shortages have become global trends. To solve the problem of shortage of healthcare professionals, technology may be used as a backup. Nurses constitute the largest working group in the healthcare system. Therefore, nurses are very important to the success of implementing digitization in hospitals. This cross-sectional study used the characteristics and adoption roles of innovation diffusion theory to understand technology use within the organization. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and open-ended questions from March 21 to May 31, 2022, in two hospitals in Taiwan. In total, 159 nurses agreed to participate in the study. The results of this study revealed that observability, simplicity, advantage, trialability, and compatibility positively improved the acceptance of digital nursing technology. In the distribution of users' innovative roles, early adopters had a significant impact on innovation characteristics and technology acceptance. Nurses in acute and critical care units perceived a greater comparative advantage and trial availability of digital nursing technology use than did those in general wards and outpatient clinics. In addition, based on user opinions and suggestions, the development of smart healthcare and the use of digital technology are expected to improve the quality of nursing care.

Using a Mobile Application to Promote Patient Education for Patients With Liver Cirrhosis.

Patient education and self-management are essential for patients with liver cirrhosis. Based on Fisher and Fisher's Information-Motivation-Behavior Skills model, a Cirrhosis Care App was developed to support the education and self-management of these patients. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients having liver cirrhosis who were being followed up in the outpatient area of ​​a medical center in Taiwan. The experimental group used the app for 1 month, whereas a control group continued to receive conventional patient education. A pretest and posttest questionnaire was used to evaluate the app's effectiveness in improving the knowledge and practice of self-care. In addition, a questionnaire was developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model to understand satisfaction with the app. Results showed that following the implementation of the Cirrhosis Care App, patients' self-care knowledge and ability to promote self-care practice improved. User satisfaction with the app was measured and reflected in its frequency of use. This study confirmed that the Cirrhosis Care App, based on the Information-Motivation-Behavior Skills model, can improve patient knowledge and self-care practice and be actively promoted to benefit patients with cirrhosis.

Exploring the Usage Effectiveness of a Nursing Charge System.

The nursing charge system for inpatient accounting has been utilized in healthcare institutions for years. However, the level of its effectiveness in meeting the needs of nursing services, including further development, has not been systematically evaluated. A cross-sectional study based in Delone and McLean's information system success model was applied to explore the level of effective nursing charge system usage across the five dimensions of system quality, information quality, service quality, user satisfaction, and net benefits. We conducted a survey of the inpatient units of a medical center in Taiwan from June 23, 2021, to July 23, 2021. A total of 214 valid questionnaires were collected. Using a 5-point Likert scale, the dimension with the highest score was information quality (3.71), followed by service quality (3.37), user satisfaction (3.36), net benefits (3.31), and system quality (3.23). Older nurses ( r = -0.176) and those with more clinical experience ( r = -0.151) viewed the nursing charge system as having less information quality. The comfort level with using the computer was positively associated with system quality ( r = 0.396), information quality ( r = 0.378), service quality ( r = 0.275), user satisfaction ( r = 0.417), and net benefits ( r = 0.355). The opinions of nurses are vital. User feedback and advice should be investigated regularly to achieve system optimization.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Nurses' Usage of a Wound-Photography System.

As a result of rapid advancements in health information technology, uploading health-related information and records onto an electronic health record system has become a common practice. Photographs of patients' wounds have been uploaded electronically, but widespread acceptance by nurses has been prevented owing to issues such as file size and equipment. This research explores the attitude and satisfaction toward using an electronic health record for uploading wound photos. Through the integration of the Technology Acceptance Model, Information System Success Model, and other study results, this research aims to explore the impact of the following variables: system quality, information quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user attitude, user satisfaction, and net benefits. We also tested nurses' understanding regarding the process of taking photographs and explored the photograph quality and the photography uploading rates. The results revealed that users were satisfied with the wound-photography system, but some believed that the system stability, processing time, and image resolution should be improved. In addition, more than 80% of the nurses correctly answered photo-taking questions, the study photos reached 70% of the quality standards, and the average uploading rate was 74%. The results could serve as guidelines for system design in the future.

Critical Care Nurses' Perceptions of Clinical Alarm Management on Nursing Practice.

The alarm management of physiological monitoring systems is a key responsibility of critical care nurses. However, the high numbers of false and nonactionable (true but clinically irrelevant) alarms cause distractions to healthcare professionals, interruptions to nursing workflow, and ignoring of crucial tasks. Therefore, understanding how nurses manage large amounts of alarms in their daily work could provide a direction to design interventions to prevent adverse patient care effects. A qualitative design with focus group interviews was conducted with 37 nurses in Taiwan. Content analysis was performed to analyze the interview data, and four main themes were derived: (1) the foundation stone of critical care nursing practice; (2) a trajectory adaptation of alarms management; (3) adverse impacts on the quality of care and patient safety; and (4) a hope for multimodal learning alternatives and wireless technology. Nurses manage alarm parameter settings influenced not only by their knowledge and skills of patient care, but also in accordance with the three dimensions of technology, human, and organization evaluation framework. Customized alarm management training alternatives, patient-centered care values, and application of wireless technology are the suggested approaches to enhance nursing care and minimize the risk of adverse events.

Exploring the Outcomes and Satisfaction of Automated Physiological Monitoring Systems Among Nurses.

Vital signs are central to the assessment of physiologic functions of patients and must be included in the electronic health record. The purpose of this retrospective and cross-sectional design study was to evaluate use of-and satisfaction with-automated physiological monitoring systems. Usage data from a hospital database were analyzed 3, 6, and 12 months after implementation of the automated system (June 2018 to May 2019). In addition, questionnaires were completed by 168 nurses, and 20 nurses were interviewed between August/September 2020 and October/November 2020, respectively. Results revealed that usage frequency of automated physiological monitoring devices increased steadily with user familiarity. Although respondents indicated general satisfaction with the devices, system downtime, sufficiency of the battery charge, and data transmission speed were identified as needing correction to smooth workflow and boost work efficiency. Although most interviewees considered devices easy to use, some mentioned transmission speed of the gateway, scanner sensitivity, and accuracy of the ear thermometer as needing improvement. For nurses to use automated physiological monitoring devices fully, a user-friendly design in functions and features is vital, and in-service training and a streamlined workflow are recommended to facilitate technology adoption.

Evaluation of the Pressure Injury Prevention Information System.

Clinical decision support systems provide empirical guidance to improve the quality of nursing care. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of implementation of decision support functions into the preventive care system as regards nurses' acceptance of technology, documentation completeness, and incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injury. The researchers performed data collection in a regional hospital in northern Taiwan. The study used the Davis Science and Technology Acceptance Model scale to investigate nurses' technology acceptance before and after the introduction of a clinical decision support system and compared documentation compliance of preventive records with the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Results showed that nurses' acceptance of the technology was significantly improved, and the completion rate of the pressure injury preventive care record significantly increased from 88.9% to 99.9%. Meanwhile, the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injury decreased significantly from 0.057% to 0.021%. Therefore, it was concluded that the clinical decision support system provides evidenced-based support to nurses and is effective in identifying patient-specific prevention nursing plans of care.

The Effect of Barcode Technology Use on Pathology Specimen Labeling Errors.

Pathology specimen labeling errors occur for a variety of reasons. We investigated the use of barcode technology as a method to improve the accuracy of pathology specimen labeling and patient safety. We also assessed nurses' perceptions of system quality, information quality, service quality, user satisfaction, and net benefits. Sixty-eight perioperative nurses who work in a teaching hospital in Taiwan completed the survey. Nurses scored net benefits as highly contributing to their satisfaction, whereas system quality contributed most to dissatisfaction. Further, we analyzed pathology specimen records before and after implementing the barcode system and found that specimen management errors significantly decreased. The use of a reliable barcode system could improve specimen labeling accuracy and enhance nurses' satisfaction with this technology.

Evaluation of a Barcode Medication Administration Information System.

When a medication administration error occurs, patient safety is endangered. Barcode medication administration system usage has been implemented to reduce medication errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate barcode medication administration system usage outcomes. A survey based on DeLone and McLean's model of information systems success was utilized. The questionnaire, composed of 27 items, explored system quality, information quality, service quality, user satisfaction, and usage benefits. It was completed by 232 nurses. User satisfaction received the highest average score, and quality of information was the most critical factor related to this result (r = 0.83, P < .01). Medication errors occurring before and after barcode medication administration use were collected, and the reasons for errors related to work process were explored. Medication errors decreased from 405 at preimplementation to 314 at postimplementation (t = 77.62, P < .001). The main reason for medication errors related to work process was "not following the standard procedure," followed by "other factors." While technology is deployed to support individual practice, organizational elements also remain important to technology adoption.

Experience of Home Telehealth Technology in Older Patients With Diabetes.

The incidence of diabetes, a common chronic disease among older adults, is increasing annually. The lack of blood glucose regulation can result in severe diabetes-related complications and substantial healthcare costs, making self-care programs specific to this population especially important. Combined with reduced numbers of healthcare professionals, the integration of healthcare and information technology and the older adults' adoption of telehealth services have become increasingly important. This study used a qualitative method to interview 18 older study participants who used a telehealth service. Subject perceptions and suggestions regarding using such a service for diabetes management were investigated. Content analysis was used to examine the interview data and determine the older patients' acceptance and perceived benefits of telehealth service. Four main themes emerged: (1) initial trial encouragement from the doctors, nurses, and financial incentives; (2) enhanced self-management capability through continuous device use for better outcomes; (3) ambivalent feelings regarding dependence on others for problem solving; and (4) consideration for continual technology use for an uncertain future. These results serve as a reference for promoting, assessing, and verifying telehealth models for older patients with diabetes.

Nurses' Experiences of an Initial and Reimplemented Electronic Health Record Use.

The electronic health record is a key component of healthcare information systems. Currently, numerous hospitals have adopted electronic health records to replace paper-based records to document care processes and improve care quality. Integrating healthcare information system into traditional nursing daily operations requires time and effort for nurses to become familiarized with this new technology. In the stages of electronic health record implementation, smooth adoption can streamline clinical nursing activities. In order to explore the adoption process, a descriptive qualitative study design and focus group interviews were conducted 3 months after and 2 years after electronic health record system implementation (system aborted 1 year in between) in one hospital located in southern Taiwan. Content analysis was performed to analyze the interview data, and six main themes were derived, in the first stage: (1) liability, work stress, and anticipation for electronic health record; (2) slow network speed, user-unfriendly design for learning process; (3) insufficient information technology/organization support; on the second stage: (4) getting used to electronic health record and further system requirements, (5) benefits of electronic health record in time saving and documentation, (6) unrealistic information technology competence expectation and future use. It concluded that user-friendly design and support by informatics technology and manpower backup would facilitate this adoption process as well.

Nurses' perceptions of e-portfolio use for on-the-job training in Taiwan.

Electronic portfolios can be used to record user performance and achievements. Currently, clinical learning systems and in-service education systems lack integration of nurses' clinical performance records with their education or training outcomes. For nurses with less than 2 years' work experience (nursing postgraduate year), use of an electronic portfolio is essential. This study aimed to assess the requirements of using electronic portfolios in continuing nursing education for clinical practices. Fifteen nurses were recruited using a qualitative purposive sampling approach between April 2013 and May 2013. After obtaining participants' consent, data were collected in a conference room of the study hospital by one-on-one semistructured in-depth interviews. Through data analyses, the following five main themes related to electronic learning portfolios were identified: instant access to in-service education information, computerized nursing postgraduate year training manual, diversity of system functions and interface designs, need for sufficient computers, and protection of personal documents. Because electronic portfolios are beginning to be used in clinical settings, a well-designed education information system not only can meet the needs of nurses but also can facilitate their learning progress.

The evaluation of diabetic patients' use of a telehealth program.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that, if not treated promptly and appropriately, can cause complex health complications and mortality. Care models that apply technology, such as telehealth, may be useful in working with diabetes patients. The development and application of wireless communication telehealth have significantly affected healthcare in recent years. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate diabetic patients' use of a telehealth program by using questionnaire survey and laboratory data results. A quantitative study, 1-group pretest-posttest design, was conducted. This study recruited 20 diabetic patients who received telehealth service to measure their glucose, heart rate, and blood pressure, with data uploaded back to the hospital daily. A questionnaire survey was conducted in May 2012 and between August and January 2013 with 20 participants. The test values (blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose) of subjects were obtained from the hospital telecare platform and the outpatient monthly reporting system. Study findings showed an overall satisfaction rating of 91% by telehealth participants. Nonparametric statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference (P < .01) in participants' glycosylated hemoglobin and resultant effective control. These findings indicated that participants accepted this care model, and telehealth could improve participants' glucose control.

Experience of a smoking cessation program among high school students in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, the prevalence of smoking among teenagers has led to a required smoking cessation program in schools. Students caught smoking in school are required to participate in a weekly smoking cessation class. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of high school students in a smoking cessation program. Fifteen adolescents participated in a one-on-one in-depth semistructured interview, and the content was analyzed for patterns based on the methods of Miles and Huberman. In addition, Lewin's change theory of drive forces and restraining forces was used to describe the change in behavior as a result of the program. Five major themes were identified: the onset of smoking-change influenced by families and friends; intention to quit smoking-driving force; the irresistible temptation to smoke-restraining force; limited change effects-more attention and assistance needed; and change in attitude rather than behavior-smoking remained unchanged. Changes were seen in the perceptions and attitudes of these students toward smoking at the end of the program; however, none of them were able to really quit. Most participants revealed that they used improper means to pass the carbon monoxide test requirement that was used as a measure of not smoking. Alternative future intervention strategies for further study include change in health policy to support nicotine replacement methods for heavy adolescent smoker, use of teacher support, and exercise programs to support students going through the smoking cessation period.

Telecare for diabetes mellitus: case managers' experiences.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that, if not treated promptly and appropriately, can cause complex health complications and mortality. Changes in societal structure have fostered an increase in the incidence of diabetes and made the traditional hospital visit model less efficient for meeting the care needs of these patients. The care models that apply technology, such as telecare or so-called telehealth, may be useful in working with diabetes patients. The current study applied qualitative research methodology through interviews with nine diabetes case managers involved in telecare services. To identify the participants' acceptance and perceived effectiveness of telecare services, content analysis of the interview data was used. The following four major themes were identified in the study results: (1) improved case management, (2) setting appropriate expectations for care outcome, (3) acknowledging patients' sense of losing privacy, and (4) disease prevention and interdisciplinary cooperation. The study findings may serve as an indicator of the need for further promotion, appraisal, and validation of the telecare services model, to enhance the comprehensiveness of diabetes care.

Technology acceptance and quality of life of the elderly in a telecare program.

As information and communication technology applied to telecare has become a trend in elder care services, evaluation of the program is vital for further program design and development. This study evaluated the variables influencing the use of a telecare service program by the elderly. A questionnaire survey was used to explore the relationship between quality of life and technology acceptance of a telecare program in Taiwan. In addition, open-ended questions were used to elicit qualitative information regarding the experience of technology use. The results revealed that elderly persons with better social welfare status and health condition, who used the device frequently, had higher quality of life and accepted technology use. The correlation results also indicated that elderly persons who perceived telecare as useful in solving health problems, had the intention to use the program, and were willing to continue use, also had a better perception toward quality of life regarding their interpersonal relationships and living environment. Nonetheless, cost may be an issue that will impede their willingness to use the technology in care service.

Evaluation of an online orientation program for new healthcare employees.

Online learning is one of the newest efforts of mainstream healthcare education. It has been cited as providing both an efficient and effective alternative learning medium. This study explored the acceptance of an online orientation program by new healthcare employees and identified several critical factors affecting online learning outcomes. The study applied triangulation methods including surveys, interviews, and test scores. Data were captured from 154 questionnaires (with a response rate of 78.2%) with related test scores and 13 participant interviews. The results showed that new healthcare employees were positive toward the computer-based learning program. "Perceived ease of use" and "perceived usefulness" were the major variables predicting technology acceptance, whereas "learner satisfaction" and "continued intention to use" were the major indices for the learning outcomes. Test scores, however, did not reveal any statistical impact. Additionally, human-computer interaction, instant feedback, and program content were commented on as factors affecting learning outcomes. Therefore, online learning is suitable for new healthcare employees, both in the orientation stage and as a follow-up learning method. The results of this study can help support the development of educational technology online programs.

Evaluation of a mobile shift report system on nursing documentation quality.

Nursing shift report is vital for patient care. Accordingly, healthcare facilities have made great efforts to establish a standardized nurse-to-nurse shift handoff process to ensure patient care quality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a standardized mobile intershift handoff system would affect the quality of nursing documentation. The study is based on nursing handoff records from 19 inpatient units in four major care areas (internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics/pediatrics, and long-term care) of a medical center in central Taiwan. Data collection was performed before and after implementation of the mobile, point-of-care handoff system in 2010. A medical review tool was used to compare 25-item charting compliance on 228 charts. Results show that the designed content of the handoff system was related to a corresponding compliance change in initial assessment, pain reassessment, and use of accurate abbreviation. Although overall compliance rates among inpatient units varied, the statistical test showed that the pattern of changes was consistent. As more items were added to the new handoff system for reminder purposes, documentation compliance increased; however, since the new handoff system did not include nursing diagnosis, patient outcome tracking compliance was reduced. The results of the study reveal that implementing a standardized point-of-care handoff system could improve nursing documentation compliance and quality.

Telecare for the elderly--community nurses' experiences in Taiwan.

Advances in science, technology, and healthcare have contributed to the global growth of an aging population. With a concomitant decline in birth rate, the increasing need for elder care cannot be met effectively by traditional care models as fewer caregivers are available. This study adopted a qualitative research method, and 13 nurses who have experiences in telecare were interviewed in a regional hospital in northern Taiwan. Data were content analyzed to explore nurses' perceptions of telecare services. Five major themes were identified: (1) provision of individualized care, (2) increasing job requirements and stress, (3) working with a collaborative care model, (4) understanding concerns of the elderly, and (5) foreseeing future challenges. The participants identified the advantages of telecare services for the elderly and recognized a new opportunity for health management in the future population and social changes. The use of technology to provide telecare may offer an effective supplement for elder care services.

Factors related to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers (a type of skin failure) have served as an indicator of care quality. The purpose of this study was to utilize data-mining techniques as a means of identifying risk factors related to different stages of pressure ulcers to demonstrate how this means of analysis might be used as a vehicle to guide improved care quality. Data were obtained from a Web-based incident reporting system at a regional hospital in Taiwan. A total of 4301 cases dating from March 2005 to May 2009 were collected. For data-cleaning purposes, data within 3 SDs were kept for further analysis. Data-mining techniques were applied to identify the predictors, and a logistic regression analysis was used for result comparison purposes. The results revealed that sacral ulcer was the most prevalent, and most ulcers were in stage I, followed by stages II to IV. Five predictors were identified including hemoglobin, weight, sex, height, and use of repositioning sheet. The study concluded that nurses could use data-mining technique to identify predictors to assist in guiding ulcer interventions such as those based on a patient's demographic profile and application of a repositioning sheet to prevent ulcer occurrence to minimize harm.