Insights from the rapid implementation of digital technologies in nursing practice during COVID-19 - a survey.

Aim: To explore nurses' adoption of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic and their perceived impact on nursing practice in Australia, focusing on technology-supported workforce preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Design: A cross-sectional survey design.

Methods: Nurses who worked in clinical settings during the COVID-19 lockdown period were eligible to participate in this study. Participants (N = 94) completed a 41-item online survey of forced-choice responses, free-text open-ended questions, and a system usability rating. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results: Ninety-four respondents representing various fields of nursing reported on 102 distinct digital technologies. These technologies were categorized into online communication (n = 42; 41.2%), patient monitoring/data sharing (n = 20; 19.6%), virtual appointments (n = 16; 15.7%), electronic medical records (n = 15; 14.7%), mobile applications (n = 5; 4.9%), information systems (n = 3; 2.9%), and e-prescribing (n = 1; 0.9%). System usability varied across different types of technology. Barriers to successful technology use included inadequate infrastructure, low staff and patient digital literacy, lack of organizational support and training, particularly when redeployed, and clinician attitudes.

Conclusion: Although study participants demonstrated high agility and adaptability when digital technologies were rapidly implemented, the data suggests a need for greater organizational support and proactive preparation for similar public health emergencies. One of the most critical lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that even though digital technologies may need to be rapidly deployed to effectively support healthcare delivery during public health emergencies, this deployment needs to be thoughtful. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of such crises, investing in the digital preparedness of the nursing workforce emerges as a strategic imperative and as an essential component to fostering workforce resilience and long-term sustainability.