Research paper
D11202
Research Methodologies – Quantitative Case Scenario Abstract
This research will explore what a nurse believes their level of computer skills are. The researcher has chosen the quantitative case study to identify the nurse’s self reported level of computer skills and knowledge. This was undertaken within a district general hospital, by means of a survey. The hospital used for the research is in the North West of England. Questionnaires were distributed to the first 100 nurses who entered the hospital via the main entrance between the hours of 1pm and 2pm on the 10th August 2009. The questionnaire was used to collect basic demographic information using 5 Likert scales to assess reported levels of computer skills and knowledge. The Likert Scale is an ordered, one-dimensional scale from which respondents choose one option that best aligns with their view (Likert R 1932). A benefit of this method is that questions used are usually easy to understand and so lead to consistent answers. A disadvantage of this method is that only a few options are offered, with which respondents may not fully agree.
This study identified that nurses need more computer training to further improve their IT skills.
Introduction
According to Bond, (2009) Nursing informatics, the use of information and technology to support the work of the nurse, is an essential part of the modern nurses’ job. In the UK this is supported by a range of National Health Service policy documents over the past decade, starting with Information for Health in 1998. Research carried out over this period has however found that nurses lack the necessary skills and knowledge to use computers effectively, and that pre-registration education does not fully prepare student nurses for this aspect of the role of the nurse. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal study carried out with a cohort of nursing students, which found that although the students lacked computer skills and knowledge at the
Research Methodologies – Quantitative Case Scenario Abstract
This research will explore what a nurse believes their level of computer skills are. The researcher has chosen the quantitative case study to identify the nurse’s self reported level of computer skills and knowledge. This was undertaken within a district general hospital, by means of a survey. The hospital used for the research is in the North West of England. Questionnaires were distributed to the first 100 nurses who entered the hospital via the main entrance between the hours of 1pm and 2pm on the 10th August 2009. The questionnaire was used to collect basic demographic information using 5 Likert scales to assess reported levels of computer skills and knowledge. The Likert Scale is an ordered, one-dimensional scale from which respondents choose one option that best aligns with their view (Likert R 1932). A benefit of this method is that questions used are usually easy to understand and so lead to consistent answers. A disadvantage of this method is that only a few options are offered, with which respondents may not fully agree.
This study identified that nurses need more computer training to further improve their IT skills.
Introduction
According to Bond, (2009) Nursing informatics, the use of information and technology to support the work of the nurse, is an essential part of the modern nurses’ job. In the UK this is supported by a range of National Health Service policy documents over the past decade, starting with Information for Health in 1998. Research carried out over this period has however found that nurses lack the necessary skills and knowledge to use computers effectively, and that pre-registration education does not fully prepare student nurses for this aspect of the role of the nurse. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal study carried out with a cohort of nursing students, which found that although the students lacked computer skills and knowledge at the