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Abstract
Background: The integration of information technology (IT) into healthcare has significantly transformed nursing practice by improving documentation, communication, and patient care outcomes. Nurses’ attitudes toward IT play a vital role in the successful adoption and utilization of digital health systems. In Pakistan, limited training and infrastructural challenges may influence nurses’ perceptions and effective use of information technology.
Objective: This study aimed to assess nurses’ attitudes toward information technology in nursing practice and to examine the association between self-reported IT skills and attitudes among nursing students in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at New Advance College of Nursing and Allied Health Science, Lahore. A total of 133 nursing students enrolled in post-RN BSN and nursing specialization programs were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The findings indicated that most nursing students demonstrated a moderate attitude toward the integration of information technology in nursing practice. Although the majority acknowledged that IT improves patient care quality, documentation accuracy, and communication, 92.5% of participants reported having no formal training in healthcare IT. Regarding self-reported IT skills, 47.4% rated themselves as intermediate users, 30.1% as advanced users, and 22.6% as beginners. A statistically significant association was found between IT skill level and attitudes toward information technology (χ² = 12.45, p = 0.014), with higher skill levels associated with more positive attitudes.
Conclusion: The study concludes that while nursing students recognize the importance of information technology in modern nursing practice, limited formal training and moderate skill levels may hinder positive attitudes and effective utilization. Integrating structured IT education and practical training into nursing curricula is essential to enhance nurses’ technological competence and readiness for technology-driven healthcare environments.