The Impact of Sociological Factors on Nurse Educatorsâ Use ofInformation Technology

Abstract

Background: Today, as the rapid progress of Information Technologies (I.T) in health care continues, it is crucial to find out more information about the factors that might advance or hinder the nurses’ educators’ acceptance of technological changes. The main goal of this study was to explain the use of using I.T, by focusing on sociological factors like the impact of support and influence. The study design was a quantitative research, using a written and online survey. One hundred and nine academic nurse educators from ten different academic nursing schools in Israel participated. Results: support and influence predict actual use of I.T. The Chi-square Goodness-of-Fit index presented an excellent fit for the data (p=0.46; Normed Fit Index (NFI)=0.96; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA)=0.00). The relationship between sociological factors from significant others and the actual use of IT was mediated by personality characteristics such as self-efficacy, and innovativeness. Conclusion: Management should ensure that sociological factors (such as support and influence) and personality characteristics (such as self-efficacy, attitudes toward I.T, and innovativeness) are considered when preparing to introduce new technologies to nurse educators. Enhancing support and influence and self-efficacy should be considered in the organization, in order to encourage favorable use among healthcare professionals.