Cross-sectional Analysis of Zoom Fatigue on Clinical Decision-making in Nursing Students.

Abstract

Zoom fatigue may affect nursing students, as there has been an increase in the use of videoconferencing for academic as well as clinical applications. Fatigue can negatively interfere with clinical decision-making and lead to clinical errors. This study aimed to explore the association between Zoom fatigue and perceived clinical decision-making ability of nursing students. This cross-sectional study assessed self-reported sociodemographic characteristics, Zoom fatigue, and clinical decision-making. Nursing students reported a medium level of Zoom fatigue (2.50 ± 0.78) and moderate effects on clinical decision-making (150.924 ± 12.561). Statistically significant differences were found between Zoom fatigue, the number of videoconferences held in the last month ( rs = 0.065, P = .030), prolonged use of electronic devices ( χ23 = 12.817, P = .005), and sex of the participants ( U = 4043.500, P = .046). In addition, a negative relationship was observed between Zoom fatigue and clinical decision-making ( rs = -0.519, P < .001). Nursing students have shown a moderate level of Zoom fatigue. The number of videoconferences attended as well as the prolonged use of electronic devices could increase students' level of Zoom fatigue. Students' perception of their clinical decision-making is moderate. As the Zoom fatigue levels of nursing students increased, their perception of clinical decision-making ability decreased. In the academic and clinical settings, there is a need to develop strategies to prevent Zoom fatigue in nursing students and improve the quality of care provided to patients.