Access as an enabler and an obstacle to nurses' use of ICT during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a national survey

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 global pandemic has altered the way people in Aotearoa New Zealand live, work, play, and access healthcare, and this has included an increase in the use of technology. The aim of this exploratory study was to understand Aotearoa New Zealand nurses' use of technology during the COVID-19 lockdown, in particular what information and communication technologies (ICT) was being used and how nurses felt about using ICT in their practice. An anonymous online survey, utilising both open and closed-ended questions, was selected as an appropriate and safe data collection method during the pandemic. Snowball sampling was used with an online survey that was sent out during the level 3 lockdown (from March to May 2020) via social media and existing email networks and so potentially dispersed to nurses throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. In total 220 responses were received. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, and open-ended qualitative comments were thematically analysed. The key finding was that there were significant access issues related to nurses using ICT in their practice Access to information technology systems and resources, access to technical support, access to connectivity (particularly for those working from home in rural communities) and access to patients and colleagues. As predicted, this study has identified areas for future exploration but highlights Aotearoa New Zealand nurse's ability and willingness to embrace technology to better meet the needs of their patients.