The transferability of information and communication technology skills from university to the workplace: a qualitative descriptive study.

AIM: This paper presents the findings from a study that explored whether the information and communication technology (ICT) skills nurses acquired at university are relevant and transferable to contemporary practice environments. BACKGROUND: Whilst universities have attempted to integrate information and communication technology into nursing curricula it is not known whether the skills developed for educational purposes are relevant or transferable to clinical contexts. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was used to explore the perspectives of a small group of new graduate nurses working in a regional/semi-metropolitan healthcare facility in New South Wales, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were used and the data thematically analysed. FINDINGS: The themes that emerged from the study are presented in accordance with the conceptual framework and structured under the three headings of pre-transfer, transition and post-transfer. The transferability of information and communication technology skills from university to the workplace is impacted by a range of educational, individual, organisational and contextual factors. CONCLUSION: Access to adequate ICT and the necessary training opportunities influences new graduates' work satisfaction and their future employment decisions. The ability to effectively use information and communication technology was viewed as essential to the provision of quality patient care.

The preparation of technologically literate graduates for professional practice.

The impact of information and communication technology has been felt globally and the healthcare sector is not immune to the changes brought about by the introduction of new technologies. In contemporary clinical practice environments, information and communication technology skills are advantageous, not only to nurses, but also to the patients for whom they care. There is good evidence that these skills, appropriately utilised, can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. This scholarly paper presents the background to a project that explores graduate nurses' experiences of using information and communication technology in clinical contexts. A broad historical overview of the implementation of information and communication technology in higher education and healthcare in Australia is provided before discussing the extent to which the technology skills learnt at university are relevant or transferable to contemporary practice environments. The current levels and use of information and communication technology among new graduate nurses, the apparent dichotomy between technological versus humanised healthcare, and the need for national information and communication technology competency standards are discussed.