National survey on understanding nursing academics' perspectives on digital health education
Authors: Zhao Lin , Abdolkhani Robab , Walter Ruby , Petersen Sacha , Butler‐Henderson Kerryn , Livesay Karen 
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study explored the knowledge and confidence levels of nursing academics in teaching both the theories and practical skills of digital health in undergraduate nursing programs.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A structured online survey was distributed among nursing academics across Australian universities. The survey included two sections: (1) the participants' demographics and their nursing and digital health teaching experience; (2) likert scales asking the participants to rate their knowledge and confidence to teach the theories and practical skills of four main themes; digital health technologies, information exchange, quality and digital professionalism.

Results

One hundred and nineteen nursing academics completed part one, and 97 individuals completed part two of the survey. Only 6% (n = 5) of the participants reported having formal training in digital health. Digital health was mainly taught as a module (n = 57, 45.9%), and assessments of theory or practical application of digital health in the nursing curriculum were uncommon, with 79 (69.9%) responding that there was no digital health assessment in their entry to practice nursing programs. Among the four core digital health themes, the participants rated high on knowledge of digital professionalism (22.4% significant knowledge vs. 5.9% no knowledge) but low on information exchange (30% significant knowledge vs. 28.3% no knowledge). Statistically significant (p < .001) associations were found between different themes of digital health knowledge and the level of confidence in teaching its application. Nursing academics with more than 15 years of teaching experience had a significantly higher level of knowledge and confidence in teaching digital health content compared with those with fewer years of teaching experience.

Conclusion

There is a significant gap in nursing academics' knowledge and confidence to teach digital health theory and its application in nursing. Nursing academics need to upskill in digital health to prepare the future workforce to be capable in digitally enabled health care settings.

Implications for the Profession

Nursing academics have a limited level of digital knowledge and confidence in preparing future nurses to work in increasingly technology‐driven health care environments. Addressing this competency gap and providing sufficient support for nursing academics in this regard is essential.

Impact

What problem did the study address? Level of knowledge and confidence among nursing academics to teach digital health in nursing practice.

What were the main findings? There is a significant gap in nursing academics' knowledge and confidence to teach digital health theory and its application in nursing.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Professional nursing education globally.

Reporting Method

The STROBE guideline was used to guide the reporting of the study.

Patient or Public Contribution

The call for participation from nursing academics across Australia provided an introductory statement about the project, its aim and scope, and the contact information of the principal researcher. A participant information sheet was shared with the call providing a detailed explanation of participation. Nursing academics across Australia participated in the survey through the link embedded in the participation invite.