Technikaffinität und Fortbildungsinteresse von Auszubildenden der Pflegefachberufe: eine Onlinebefragung

Abstract

Background: Digital assistive technologies play a prominent role in the discussion about future solution approaches to the challenges of healthcare. For transfer into routine daily care it is necessary to achieve acceptance and to integrate the nursing personnel into the process of digitization of the healthcare system; however, hardly any skills in dealing with these technologies have been taught in the context of nursing education to date. The future training and examination regulations for the implementation of the Nursing Profession Act also fail to include corresponding provisions. Aims: This online survey was intended to clarify the extent of receptiveness and interest for advanced education in technical and digital assistive systems among nursing students. Method: An invitation to participate was sent by e‑mail to 277 nursing schools in the new federal states of Germany. The questionnaire was developed and pretested by this research group. Results: For 94.7% of the 415 interviewees familiar systems, such as computers are conceivable in everyday working life, the use of tablets 61.9% and the use of smartphones 51.1%. Of the participants two thirds rated their receptiveness to technology as high and knowledge of it as low. Of the trainees 71.8% agreed with the statement that they lack training in the needs-oriented use of technical solutions. This was accompanied by a high level of interest among trainees in continuing training, which was expressed by 64.8–83.4% of those surveyed depending on the topic on offer. Conclusion: The need and willingness for a basic qualification in digital and assistive technologies within the nursing education but also beyond was apparent from this survey. These competencies need to be successfully communicated through a practice-based approach (Future Care Lab), because the digital transformation needs to be built on the support of qualified professional users; otherwise, long-term barriers and obstacles to implementation pose a threat.