Exploring social media adoption by nurses for nursing practice in rural Volta, Ghana.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to inquire into social media adoption by nurses for nursing practice. DESIGN: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed in understanding social media adoption for nursing care among nurses. METHOD: A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 12 participants for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews which were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with NVivo 12. RESULTS: The findings revealed nurses found social media to be useful for the dissemination, and reception of information, professional development and enhanced referral networks. Apart from its usefulness, participants believe that it is easy to navigate its apps, clear and understandable to use and does not involve much mental effort hence their favourable attitude towards use. Some participants also believe that inaccurate information, privacy and confidentiality concerns, distraction and addiction were some potential risks that are associated with its usage in nursing practice. Due to this, some participants developed a negative attitude towards its usage. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Twelve nurses actively participated in the study.

Perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone text messaging for the management of diabetes mellitus in rural Ghana.

AIM: This study aims to explore the perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone SMS for managing diabetes in rural Ghana. DESIGN: Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Design. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to recruit (13) participants relative to data saturation after ethical clearance (REDACTED); using a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Participants believe SMS was useful in facilitating interaction between nurses, clients, family and statistically significant others; improving medication adherence and supporting blood glucose monitoring. The use of infographics was preferred to traditional SMS among digitally literate patients and voice calls for those who were illiterate. Participants had limited knowledge of downloadable diabetic applications. Participants were willing to accept and use SMS for the management of diabetes mellitus. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Thirteen nurses actively participated in the study.