An exploration of the education and training experiences of ICU nurses in using computerised equipment

Abstract

Objective: To explore the education and training experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurses in using computerised technologies and to assess the relationship it has with role performance and level of clinical experience.

Design: A qualitative study using semi‑structured in‑depth interviews.

Setting: Two general ICUs, one of which was fully computerised with a Clinical Information System (CIS) and the other partially computerised with a Central Monitoring System (CMS).

Subjects: In each setting a clinical nurse consultant (CNC), a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and a registered nurse (RN) with less than twelve months experience in ICU were interviewed; six nursing staff in total.

Main Outcome measure: Identification of the main themes underpinning ICU nurses’ perceptions and experiences of education and training in using computerised equipment with regard to their perceived roles and clinical experience.

Results: Participants identified a range of formal and informal education and training sources available to them within their ICU setting and articulated both positive and negative experiences associated with using computerised technologies. Their level of confidence in using computerised technologies was clearly related to their years of experience and differentiated clinical nursing roles and reflected whether they worked in a fully or partially computerised unit.

Conclusion: Further research needs to be undertaken to investigate the training needs of ICU nurses to use computerised equipment.